Synology America Corp (http://www.synology.com) has released its latest DiskStation for home and small office use: the DS411slim. Using 2.5-inch drives, the compact DiskStation allows for full RAID redundancy while minimizing energy usage and noise.

Utilizing Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR), users can create redundant volumes up to 3TB. The DiskStation consumes fewer than 17 watts in use and 9.6 watts in hibernation. The DS411slim boasts a faster processor than the previous DS409slim and more RAM (now 256MB).

Bundled with Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) 3.0, the DS411slim offers numerous tools to home users. In addition to the expected file sharing and backup, DSM 3.0 includes an integrated DLNA-certified media server to stream music and videos to compatible media players.  

Surveillance Station 5, Synology's included network video recorder (NVR) software, lets users turn their DiskStation into a surveillance system. Compatible with over 750 models of IP camera, Surveillance Station 5 makes it easy for home users to monitor their homes when away, for either protection of the premises or as a nanny-cam, says Jason Bonoan, Product Marketing Manager at Synology.

In addition the upcoming DSM 3.1 (now in public beta) will further expand the capabilities of the DiskStation. Among the enhancements will be: DS File for iPhone (a new app to ease file access); DS Photo+ and DS Audio (for the iPad to manage photos and stream your entire music collection from the DiskStation); and AirPrint support (which allows wireless printing from the iPad and iPhone).