The proliferation of mobile devices, multi-computer homes, broadband internet access, inexpensive mass storage, and the replacement of many other home electronics by the PC (such as media devices like DVD, BRD, and CD players by HTPCs) has resulted in ever-increasing interest in specialized file server computers.  Whether you're a typical home user with a desktop and a laptop or a power user with multiple desktops, laptops, netbooks, and tablets who also has remote access to home systems from work or on the road, your computing experience could likely be enriched by shared data access.  Whether your budget and storage needs are modest or extensive, we have you covered in the latest builder's guide to file server systems.

Back in March 2010, Intel announced an Atom based platform optimized for storage applications. Using either a D410 or the dual core D510, paired with an Intel 82801IR I/O controller, it was touted by Intel to have been picked up by various NAS vendors such as LaCie, LG, QNAP, Synology and Thecus. We have had the LaCie 5big storage server in our labs for the last few weeks. Aimed at the needs of small businesses, the server brings in a wealth of features thanks to the Windows Storage Server 2008 platform on which the NAS runs.

Read on for our review of the LaCie 5big storage server, and to identify whether it would be a good solution for the storage needs of your small business.