Western Digital Unveils 8TB ShareSpace Storage System
Western Digital (WD) today announced its latest WD ShareSpace network storage system which now offers 8TB (terabytes) of storage, up to 30 percent faster speed, and DLNA media streaming capabilities. Also bundled with the ShareSpace system is WD Anywhere Backup software which automatically and continuously protects your data from every PC and Mac on the network.
To speed up both backup and storage, WD improved WD ShareSpace's read and write speeds up to 30 percent for large media files. Current WD ShareSpace owners may download the new firmware update to experience these performance improvements.
To meet the needs of digital media enthusiasts, WD added a DLNA Certified media server to the WD ShareSpace system, making it easy to stream music, photos and videos to popular DLNA-Certified devices including Windows Vista PCs, Playstation3, and Xbox 360. The previously included iTunes Music Server lets anyone on the network stream the music collection on WD ShareSpace to any PC or Mac running iTunes.
"With its huge capacity and small footprint, WD ShareSpace has become a popular choice among small business owners. By doubling capacity and increasing transfer speeds, the new 8 TB WD ShareSpace offers more value to small business users," said Jim Welsh, senior vice president and general manager of WD's branded products and consumer electronics groups. "Digital media enthusiasts, on the other hand, will really appreciate the new streaming support which lets them easily stream to PCs, Macs and game consoles. With the new WD ShareSpace, we have made important improvements for all our customers."
The new high-speed network storage systems feature:
* A small-footprint, 4-bay storage system that takes up very little space and provides plenty of storage to go around;
* GigE connectivity with data transfer rates up to one gigabit per second when used in a GigE network;
* RAID 0/1/5 capabilities for data protection and speed;
* E-mail alert system that monitors drive and system health and sends you an e-mail if a problem is detected;
* UPnP/DLNA 1.5 Certified Media Server;
* iTunes server for centralized shared music;
* Microsoft Active Directory directory service support;
* Plug a USB drive into the front-mounted USB 2.0 port and push a button to transfer automatically all the data on the drive to the WD ShareSpace system;
* Automatic and continuous2 network backup software including licenses to back up 3 computers;
* WD's unique MioNet remote Web access service (for PC and Mac) that lets users access the drive from anywhere;
* Download manager that supports scheduled downloads through FTP and HTTP;
* Windows Vista operating system ready;
* Built-in FTP server;
* 3 USB 2.0 ports;
* Equipped with WD drives using WD GreenPower technology, this system, with its efficient cooling architecture and power saving mode, consumes up to 33 percent less power3 and is reliably cool and quiet; and,
* 3-year limited warranty.
Price and Availability
The new 8 TB capacity will be available this week at WD's online store. WD ShareSpace network storage systems also are offered in capacities of 2 TB and 4 TB. MSRP for the WD ShareSpace storage system with 8 TB is $1,699.99 USD
