Cloud Attached Storage combines cloud storage and backup with a selection of network attached storage (NAS) appliances, to create data protection and storage solutions that provide the superior performance of local network storage, with the flexibility and reliability of cloud storage.

No. The CloudPlug and C200 are managed via a Web-based interface accessed through a Web browser. Files on the CloudPlug and C200 appear as standard network folders, and can be easily accessed from any Windows, Mac or Linux PC on the network.

Data is stored locally on the hard drive that is attached to the CloudPlug or on the C200 drives, then backed up to cloud storage. Depending on how the Cloud Attached Storage solution was sold, user data can either be stored on the service provider's private cloud, or using one of the established 3rd party cloud providers such as Amazon Web Services or Rackspace.

Extremely easy. Cloud backup snapshots will appear as shared drives on the local network, and users can use drag & drop to copy snapshots to a local drive. Alternatively, users can access their CTERA Portal using a web browser to restore specific files and folders.

All data is encrypted during transit from local storage to online backup and is also stored online in an encrypted format. Users can choose to use a secret passphrase known only to them, which would mean that no-one else would be able to access their cloud backup data. The CTERA backup protocol runs over SSL (Secure Socket Layer) while in transit.
In addition, Cloud Attached Storage devices encrypt your data using highly secure 256-bit AES encryption and robust SHA-1 digests to make sure they are not modified. Finally, users can also choose to encrypt local volumes, which means that even in case of physical theft of the local hard drives, data will be kept safe from prying eyes. You can read more about our security measures here.

The speed of the end-user's Internet connection (especially the upstream speed) is a major factor/ However, CTERA’s Cloud Attached Storage solutions optimize data to maximize the speed of transfer by using differential backup (backing up only the data that changed since the previous backup), block-level de-duplication of shared content between multiple users, and advanced data compression.

The CloudPlug turns any external USB or eSATA hard drive into NAS, yet it offers much more by including built-in cloud services. CTERA’s cloud services include online backup, remote access, centralized monitoring and management, and more.

Yes. Both a USB and eSATA hard drives can be connected at the same time. Additional USB drives can be connected by using a USB 2.0 hub.

An Ethernet connection to a router for LAN and Internet connectivity, any type of external USB or eSATA hard drive for shared storage, and a nearby power socket. Nothing else is needed.

An Ethernet connection to a router for LAN and Internet connectivity, one or more internal SATA or external USB hard drive for shared storage, and a nearby power socket. Nothing else is needed.