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Get off of my cloud [New Straits Time (Malaysia)](New Straits Time (Malaysia) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) SECURE: Personal cloud storage is the way to go as it gives complete control over your data. Simon Whitford, senior regional marketing manager of WD, Asia-Pacific tells Chandra Devi Renganayar that having a cloud of your own not only makes it easier but also cheaper to control personal data Question: What is personal cloud storage? Answer: It is a cloud-based storage space where consumers can store their documents, media content and personal information. Unlike DropBox, Google Drive and iCloud, which are considered public cloud services; personal cloud storage systems are hosted in consumers' office or home broadband network. This makes it private and only accessible by a group of authorised consumers pre-determined by the owner of the device. Question: Why is there a need for personal cloud storage? Answer: Personal cloud storage enables users to centralise, store and manage their content within a single hub. Consumers today are developing their own content using smart devices and mobile gadgets in the form of videos, pictures, digital art and even documents. Instead of having their content scattered in different devices, which poses risks of losing them should the inevitable happen; they can now store, backup and safeguard their content within a single and easy-to-manage device. Personal cloud storage provides an avenue to ensure continuity and security over content produced. Question: How can consumers set up their personal cloud? Answer: In encouraging more consumers to adopt personal cloud storage concepts, cloud storage devices are designed to be user- friendly and easy to set up. WD's current line of personal cloud storage includes My Cloud and My Cloud Mirror for consumers, as well as My Cloud EX2 and My Cloud EX4 for expert users. These are plug-and-play devices. With the WD My Cloud personal cloud storage, users can get their personal cloud up and running in minutes with WD's rich web-based user interface for seamless web- guided set up. All they need is a broadband connection at home or their office for seamless connectivity and access. Question: What are the advantages of having a personal cloud? Answer: Personal cloud storage offers consumers total control and privacy over their content, which public cloud services will not be able to fully provide. As the device is solely owned by the user, he/ she can adjust the privacy settings to ensure their data is aptly safeguarded. It helps consumers centralise all their content on one device, so that it is more convenient for them to manage, store, back up and access their data without juggling them between a few storage devices, which may be a hassle. The convenience of mobility and accessibility is also one of the key advantages of personal cloud storage, where users can access their content stored in the device on the go any time, anywhere. Question: In terms of security, is personal cloud storage safer than external hard drive storage? Answer: Personal cloud storage like the WD My Cloud reduces the hassle for consumers to carry peripheral storage devices, as their content can be accessed using the WD My Cloud app on their smart devices and notebook PCs. Users do not have to worry about losing all their data when their external storage devices are misplaced, stolen or fail on the them. That said, both devices serve different storage needs and consumer lifestyles as each has their unique features and benefits. Personal cloud is more secure because the WD My Cloud sits on your home or business network and not in a location targeted by hackers or prying eyes. Question: What is WD My Cloud's edge over other similar products in the market? Answer: Being the pioneer in personal cloud storage concept in the market, WD My Cloud range of products offers consumers huge storage capacities for their content according to their needs. A major advantage of WD's My Cloud is that anyone can get it up and running in minutes, as well as enjoy the full advantage of the WD My Cloud mobile app -- available on iOS, Android and Windows Phone -- and the WD My Cloud Desktop app for Windows and Mac platform. By simply connecting a WD My Cloud personal cloud drive to the Internet, consumers get the anywhere, any-device access they can get from the public cloud, without having to pay monthly fees or giving up control of their personal data. (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |