Connected Data, maker of the Transporter – a file storage and sharing device that is connected to the internet – announced version 2.0 of the device today, and a possible merger with Drobo, another company that specializes in hardware storage.

It seems like connected storage components that you can keep in your home are a big part of the new consumer cloud, acting as a good stepping stone for full-fledged cloud services.  So what makes these connected storage devices different from the cloud?

3 Perks to Connected Storage

No monthly or yearly fees

Unlike cloud storage, personal cloud storage doesn’t have a monthly or yearly fee.  You just buy the device, connect it to your network, and then sync your devices such as laptops, computers, smartphones and tablets.

Just like cloud

It functions just like the cloud in the sense that you can access synced data wherever you are, but without having to worry if your files are safe from prying eyes.  You can also back these up using another personal cloud, keep the other backup file in a secure location.  This is quite handy when you have very sensitive files you need to protect.

Better than an external hard drive

Using thumb drives and external hard drives are good ways to backup your files, but not everyone cares to carry one wherever they go.  So if you’re always on the go and you need your files ready, you need to bring such a device with you.  With a personal cloud, you still have the hardware but you don’t have to bring it with you.  So all your synced files are ready and accessible anywhere you are.

What about security?

Of course, the downside to connected storage is that accessing files through the cloud can make them susceptible to security risks.    The question now is, is personal cloud storage really more secured than traditional cloud?

Joining Kristin Feledy in this morning’s NewsDesk is SiliconANGLE Contributing Editor John Casaretto with his Breaking Analysis in the security of personal cloud storage.

“It depends on your definition of security.  What it does is rather than put your files out there, on this third party provider where there could be, potentially, any number of security issues and widespread breach of some sort – spear phishing or some kind of compromise, it could be considered safer in that regard, for sure, if that’s a concern of yours.  They have pretty solid security systems in place and detection.  That would cover all those man-in-the-middle types of attacks…  But it clearly doesn’t cover or eliminate those security risks where you could be the vector,” said Casaretto.

For more of Casaretto’s Breaking Analysis, check out the NewsDesk video below:

Security and privacy will be important points of differentiation for consumer hardware as the connected storage market grows.  Here’s a short list of some of the more secure connected storage products currently available in the market.

3 connected storage products that prioritize security

Transporter

This bottle-shaped device comes in three variants, the $199 version has no drive so you choose the capacity you need and the driver you trust; the $299 version comes with 1TB drive; and the $399 version comes with 2TB drive.  All the versions come with unlimited sharing, file protection, file accessibility from anywhere, and you don’t have to pay any monthly or yearly fees to use it.

LaCie CloudBox

This comes and four variants, 1TB, 2TB, 3TB, and 4TB and priced at $119.99, $149.99, $179.99 and $249.99 respectively.  It allows you to backup your data on the box and have them accessible anywhere you go.  You can assign folders that can be shared with your family, or create folders with stronger restrictions for personal use, and you can even share files to friends or officemates via secured download links or sharing the files via the cloud.

My Book Live

This dark grey box from Western Digital comes in 1TB for $140, 2TB for $160 and 3TB for $190.  Much like other personal clouds, it allows you to access synced files anywhere, anytime and even on your smartphone or tablet.  It also comes with apps for more functionality and accessibility.