Intel Corp. debuts its first Atom processor-based energy efficient platform optimised for networked home and small office/home office (SOHO) storage devices. The platform consists of the Intel Atom processor D410 single-core or D510 dual-core and the Intel 82801IR I/O controller and delivers the processing performance and I/O connectivity required to meet the throughput demands of leading storage vendors such as LaCie, LG Electronics, QNAP, Synology and Thecus.

Home server and SOHO network-attached storage (NAS) devices based on the new Intel Atom processor- based platform act as centralised hubs that organise, manage, protect and share documents, photos, videos and music throughout the home and small office. This makes it possible to keep digital content safe and available anytime, anywhere. "NAS systems have traditionally been found in businesses to manage, store and access data," said Seth Bobroff, general manager, Intel data centre group, storage. "Today, households and small offices have an ever-increasing number of computers, laptops, netbooks and mobile phones that create and consume digital content. This advancement in mobility coupled with the explosive growth of data and media are creating the need for centralised, easy-to-use network storage solutions for the home and small office."

With an up to 50 per cent power reduction and improved performance1 compared to Intel's previous generation of Intel Atom processors, the new Intel Atom processors paired with the Intel 82801IR I/O Controller enable vendors to deliver cost-effective, feature-rich and reliable systems that scale to support the demands of the evolving home and small office storage market.

"The introduction of Intel's Atom processor is a critical advancement that will dramatically change the scale of storage solutions across LaCie's target markets," said Erwan Girard, professional business unit manager, LaCie. "We are excited to work with Intel and leverage this game-changing technology to offer a new level of powerful and robust features to our customers."