WD Offers Centralised Storage To Small Networks

WD has unveiled a high-speed network storage system intended as a cost-effective, centralised storage for small office and home networks.

ShareSpace is a 4-bay storage system with Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) interface that provides up to 4 TB of storage capacity and multiple RAID configurations.

Its first foray into the small-office network storage market, WD is hoping to introduce a new class of users to centralised storage systems that were once only available in large companies with big IT departments.

For small businesses, WD ShareSpace network-attached storage systems allow storage to be centralised for easy accessibility.

But WD is hoping to attract home users as well.

Popularity of home networks is growing worldwide, with penetration as high as 50 per cent in some countries, according to a recent Parks Associates study.

WD says that with the ShareSpace system it’s possible to centralise media collections and access them from anywhere in their home.

The included iTunes server capability allows users to play their music on any Mac or PC using iTunes software.

Jim Welsh, vice president and general manager of WD's branded products and consumer electronics groups, said the WD ShareSpace system offered big-time storage without the need for a big-time IT department.

"With the WD ShareSpace storage system, small offices and home network users can experience the same centralised storage and data protection often found only in big corporate data centres,” he said.

"The set-up process is a breeze, so you can be up and running in a matter of minutes.”