Connected Data announces Transporter v2.0, focuses on user experience and mobile apps

It's been an exciting couple days for the folks at Connected Data. After entering into a merger agreement with Drobo yesterday, the company's just announced Transporter v2.0 -- the latest software for its cloud-aware NAS. To jog your memory, Transporter is a device that lets you share data online, Dropbox-style, without a subscription fee. It was launched on Kickstarter last year and priced at $199 for the basic hardware (BYO hard drive), $299 for 1TB and $399 for 2TB. Version 2.0 brings major user experience improvements on Mac and PC thanks to better integration with Finder and Windows Explorer, including right-click and drag-and-drop functionality. Users can now easily share links to their files and choose how their folders are synced (locally or remotely). The update includes new mobile apps which provide remote Transporter access and management from any iOS or Android device. Connected Data also made firewall support more robust for users regardless of their network environment. Transporter v2.0 will launch sometime in June -- hit the break for the full PR.

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Connected Data Revolutionizes Private Cloud Storage with Launch of Next Generation Transporter

Transporter v2.0 Greatly Simplifies the User Experience and Adds Key Features Including Global Access from iOS and Android Mobile Devices

SANTA CLARA, CALIF. – May 29, 2013 – Connected Data, a provider of elegantly designed solutions to share, access and protect data, today announced major enhancements to the company's popular Transporter private data sharing and storage device. On the heels of its successful Kickstarter launch, Connected Data unveiled version 2.0 of the Transporter software suite to greatly simplify the user experience, add key functionality, and extend its file sharing and storage benefits to mobile devices. Transporter devices powered by version 2.0 will be available through a national network of partners in June 2013.

With notable data breaches from popular services like Dropbox and Instagram, security and privacy for file sharing and storage is more important than ever. Transporter sets the new standard as a completely private alternative to public cloud offerings. With the Transporter, all data is stored only on authorized devices to ensure privacy, but also provides users with global access and unlimited sharing. Unlike cloud services, the Transporter is a one-time purchase with no monthly charge.

"With the rise of mobile computing, consumers need robust technology solutions that enable them to share and access files on the go," said Dave Reinsel, group vice president at IDC. "Solutions like Connected Data's provide a completely private, peer-to-peer offering, with all data hosted only on authorized devices. Connected Data is on the right path having sold thousands of Transporter units in the first few months of production."

In version 2.0, Connected Data made significant Transporter enhancements for access and transfer of terabytes of files on limited storage devices. Key features include:

- Simplified interface - Version 2.0 provides full drag-and-drop support, right-click functionality and the ability to share links to files with others. Users can install the desktop application, immediately drag-and-drop files to their Transporter, and right-click on any file or folder to manage or share.

- Flexible sync options for limited capacity devices – Most cloud storage providers offer "all or nothing" syncing where everything is either synced across all devices or not accessible. While that works well for a few files, it doesn't work for large media collections on limited capacity laptops and ultrabooks. With Transporter v2.0, users can sync and share critical folders (e.g. work documents) while still having the ability to access and share large folders (e.g. music, photo or movie collections) stored on Transporter from any device regardless of capacity.

- New iOS and Android mobile apps – Transporter v2.0 also introduces new iOS and Android mobile applications allowing users to remotely access, upload, download and share files stored on Transporter directly from their iOS or Android device.

- Remote access and connection enhancements – Transporter v2.0 also includes enhancements to ensure that users will be able to connect to and access their Transporter files regardless of the firewall security that may be in place.

"Connected Data has attracted thousands of new customers since our successful Kickstarter campaign and we consider ourselves very fortunate to have a growing and passionate user base," said Geoff Barrall, CEO of Connected Data. "When setting out to improve upon the Transporter, we listened to feedback from our existing users which helped to set the direction for version 2.0. We're delivering a streamlined Transporter experience that will delight both our new and existing customers."

Transporter can be used as a standalone private cloud or shared with other Transporter devices. This unique ability of Transporter devices to communicate and share with each other regardless of location enables consumers and businesses to easily create a network of shared files with friends, family, co-workers, and colleagues.

Transporter v2.0 will be a free software upgrade for all existing customers. For new customers, Transporter starts at a suggested retail price of $199 without a hard drive, $299 for 1TB and $399 for 2TB. Transporter is currently available from a national network of partners including Abt, Adorama, Amazon, B&H Photo, Buy.com, Datavision, J&R, MacMall, Newegg, PCMall, PCNation and ZONES.