WD Offers ShareSpace NAS

LAKE FOREST, Calif. -- WD(R) , the world's leader in external storage solutions, today introduced its new WD ShareSpace high-speed network storage systems that provide cost-effective, centralized storage for small office and home networks. WD ShareSpace represents WD's first entry into the small-office network storage market, where it plans to bring to a new class of users the ease-of-use, design and value enjoyed by millions of WD My Book(R) and My Passport(TM) customers.

Traditionally, available only in large companies with big IT departments, centralized storage helps businesses improve collaboration, while protecting their digital assets. The WD ShareSpace storage systems now bring those large-company benefits to small offices in an easy-to-set-up, small-footprint design. The 4-bay storage systems with Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) interface provide up to 4 TB of storage capacity and multiple RAID configurations.

Small offices and workgroups often employ cumbersome methods for sharing data, either by sending large files via e-mail or by sharing thumb drives. WD ShareSpace network-attached storage systems make it simple for small offices and workgroups to centralize storage for easy accessibility -- both within the network and remotely via WD's MioNet(R) remote Web access service.

Popularity of home networks is growing worldwide, with penetration as high as 50 percent in some countries, according to a recent Parks Associates study. Families with growing digital media collections on multiple computers find it increasingly difficult to organize and share their music, movies and photos. Home users can easily connect the WD ShareSpace system to their home network to centralize their media collections and access them from anywhere in their home. The included iTunes(R) server capability allows users to play their music on any Mac(R) or PC using iTunes software.

Backing up data is extremely important for both office and home users. With the WD ShareSpace system's high capacity, along with the included WD Anywhere Backup(TM) software, multiple users can simplify and automate a continuous backup(1). With WD Anywhere Backup software, users choose specific files or folders for backup during the set-up process. Any changes or additions made to those files or folders will be updated and backed up automatically.

"With the WD ShareSpace storage system, small offices and home network users can experience the same centralized storage and data protection often found only in big corporate data centers," said Jim Welsh, vice president and general manager of WD's branded products and consumer electronics groups. "The set-up process is a breeze, so you can be up and running in a matter of minutes. This WD ShareSpace system offers big-time storage without the need for a big-time IT department."

Western Digital Corp.