UBS functionality added to everyday devices: Potential boon for military and other mobile units
The portable data storage device market has had some interesting additions recently as more and more companies add this functionality to their products. People are increasingly on the move and need to be able to carry all kinds of data with them. Recent entries into the market include a water resistant USB watch, a USB pen and a Swiss Army Knife that includes a USB drive. AskMen reviews this “cool gadget / invention of the day”, and asks, “How many of us have bought a Swiss Army knife without ever actually using it? You can count on this memory stick coming in handy a lot more than the nail file will.”
While these new devices, on the surface, sound like rich men’s toys, adding portable data storage to everyday devices could be a godsend to mobile units like army camps, emergency disaster response teams and expeditions. These organizations have the same computer needs as non-mobile ones. However, they are unable to provide a safe clean environment for their hardware and have to limit the size of their baggage trains. In addition, small items are easily lost in a move. A shock-resistant waterproof USB device that is always attached to a person would solve all of these problems.
Best-in-Class Business Portable Remote Data Devices Providers Feature:
- Multifunctional applications: able to manage photos, read digital magazines and synchronize and archive data.
- Equipped with preloaded functional applications.
- Ability to protect certain information by password access while leaving other data accessible to other users.
Top Considerations Before Buying Portable Data Storage Devices:
Encryption of the data stored on portable data storage devices is crucial since they are easily lost or stolen. Care should be taken to pick the encryption method best suited to your needs. Companies with large IT budgets can afford devices with built-in encryption, while start-ups and individuals often cannot. Fortunately for this latter group, free software is available to encrypt the device manually. Biometric authentication encryption is the most secure but has a serious drawback in that if the assigned user is not physically available for any reason, the data will be inaccessible.
Key Providers:
1. Aleratec, formerly known as “Alera Technologies”, is a leading developer of solutions for the USB flash drive, high definition display, Blu-ray, DVD/CD duplicating, publishing, recording and digital imaging markets. The company claims they can “create the ultimate ‘out of the box’ product experience.” One of the recent additions to its catalogue is the Aleratec 1:1 HDD PortaCruiser, a compact, portable hard disk drive duplicator which they claim has the power and functionality to perform all the tasks of a full-sized duplicator. This privately held company is headquartered in Chatsworth, California.
2. NEC Corporation of America was created in 2006 by bringing NEC America, NEC Solutions America and NEC USA under one roof. Its services include server and storage solutions, digital presentation, visual display systems, IP voice and data solutions, biometric identification, optical network and microwave radio communications solutions. NEC Corporation of America reports that customers can tap "into NEC's global network of resources and experience to...achieve a competitive edge." Offices in Texas, California, Illinois, Virginina and New York enable NEC of America to serve a large customer base.
3. Adaptec has more than 26 years of industry experience in the storage I/O marketplace providing data storage hardware and software solutions to many of the most important applications in field of data storage. Adaptec continues to develop products that will to increase the data storage manageability, reliability and performance of redundant array of independent disk (RAID) controllers. Its "Green Power" initiative focuses on improving energy efficiency. This publicly traded Milpitas, California-based company has offices around the world.
4. Gaviri Technologies provides desktop, portable and embedded search solutions to home, small business and enterprise customers. Their products are able to find emails, documents and other company files on flash and external drives, smartphones, MP3 players, laptops, desktops and home and business networks. This private Parsippany, NJ.-based company states, "Our vision is a world where search is no longer bound to specific devices, operating systems, frameworks, locations or data type, but by the needs of the user."
Portable Data Storage Devices
Definition: Easily replaced physical devices that electronic data can be copied on, including USB flash or pen drives, hard and soft computer disks and external hard drives.
