Businesses to gain from DIY hard drive recovery

By Dave Nixon

Data rescue authority Retrodata has announced what it maintains is the first device for recovering damaged hard disk platters that can be effectively used by non-experts.

Named the System P. EX (for “platter extraction system”), the 75-kilogram device uses laser-guided positioning to assist it precisely extract platters from any 3.5 inch hard drive with token user intervention. What’s extraordinary is that such devices usually necessitate highly skilled operators, whereas the System P. EX can be used by a comparative novice at a data recovery company.

According to Retrodata, the advantage for corporates is that it will permit smaller data recovery companies to compete against the frequently expensive services offered by larger companies, which could help to reduce prices.

The UK-based company will not make public photographs of the product until it has been completely patented, but did say that it would work on any drive with up to five platters, maybe more. It would additionally accommodate drives with internal shock-absorption damping of a type that might physically defeat rival systems.

The System P. EX is scheduled for release next month, at an estimated cost of £3,500 ($6,950) per unit. This includes a 10-year warranty not including the cost of occasionally replacing precision components within the machine.