The management interface isn't the best--but it isn't the worst either. Everything is based on a collapsible menu on the left-hand side. From there, all of the POPnetserver's management functions are available. The only help functions are a "hints" pane that gives some basic information on the management function you clicked on. It's easy to set up a share on the POPnetserver, and you can set up names and security models in either Windows or Unix style. Though the interface is a bit lacking, the POPnetserver's manageability is fine. The unit provides standard UPS management, snapshot functionality and SNMP access.
The POPnetserver's performance reflects its humble Ethernet port and lack of multidrive RAID. However, considering its price and intended function, these numbers are unusual or problematic. With only a 100-Mbps port, the device cannot do much better. If your business has a 10/100 network, the level of NFS and CIFS performance this machine attained is fine. Just note the limitation.
The FIA POPnetserver 1000 comes with a three-year limited ship-in/carry-in warranty. At $3.75 per gigabyte, and just $899, configured as tested, the POPnetserver 1000 is a good value for small businesses that need minimal storage capacity.
FIA POPnetserver 1000. First Intelligent Array, (888) 353-0337, (949) 940-6565. www.fiainc.net 
For a unit with "value" implied in its name, the InoStor ValuNAS 6000 is surprisingly expensive, with its $5,995 price and $8.33 cost per gigabyte. Still, this 2u unit has some beefy hardware and interesting RAID technology that InoStor Corp. is looking to patent. Of the devices we tested, only this one has an internal SLR (scalable linear recording) or SDLT (super digital linear tape) tape drive--a convenient option for shops that use tape backup.
The ValuNAS 6000 is powered by standard Intel x86 hardware with a Pentium 4 and 512 MB of RAM, running on a Tyan mainboard. The RAID controller is a 3Ware Escalade. Available Ethernet ports include a 100-Mb port and a gigabit copper Ethernet port.
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