Snap Servers are compatible with all major networking protocols and environments simultaneously including: NT, Novell, Linux, Unix and Apple Macintosh, she added.

The suite of products being launched on Tuesday, by the $4.9 billion-Quantum, include, Snap Server 1000, Snap Server 2000 and Snap Server 4100 (four hard drives). The Snap 1000 servers are portable, weigh 1.6 kgs, and can service up to 100 users in corporate work groups. It is priced at Rs 33,000 for 15 GB capacity.

The Snap 2000 servers are priced at Rs 52,800 and Rs 11,12,134 for 30 GB and 60 GB capacities respectively. The Snap 4100 series is priced at Rs 1,97,934 for 120 GB and Rs 2,96,934 for 240 GB capacity and is targeted at large corporate workgroups, ISPs and ASPs. The Snap servers will be available with Quantum's authorised distributors in India. Over the last two decades, PCs have evolved into general-purpose network servers responsible for managing a number of complex functions including storage, application delivery, printing, and gateway functions. All activity is routed through this general-purpose server, taxing server resources and, often creating a bottleneck.

NAS file servers were developed as an alternative to the general-purpose server. They are single-purpose appliances, dedicated to serving files. NAS servers connect directly to the network, not to the file server. Unlike traditional servers, whose operating systems charge a "per seat" licensing fee for each user connected to the server, there are no licensing fees with NAS servers. The system software is embedded, and software upgrades are usually free via Web download. In fact, snap servers can be installed in five minutes without shutting down the company's network, said Mr Daniel Lee, sales manager, Quantum- Hong Kong.

The NAS server market is projected to reach $4.5 billion within four years, according to a study done by the Datquest/Gartner Group last year. Meanwhile, Quantum, which currently operates in India, through a liaison office based in Bangalore is planning to start full India operations within the next six months, According to Mr Rahul Bindra, country manager, Quantum, the company will set up its head office in India, and regional offices in Delhi and Mumbai.