Non-Cloud File Server Solutions

File server technology is changing - again. 
Just when you think subscription-based Cloud solutions have taken over from physically owned servers, the game changes. I stumbled upon two devices that have been funded through Kickstarter. One is in production and shipping. The other just ended its fundraising period and should be available in April 2014. The new products have a lot in common with both physical servers and cloud servers. The difference is that you buy a device that makes your files available over the internet, and a device that holds the files, plug it into your internet connection and, Voila, you have a networked file server with Internet access. Included software facilitates file management and sharing. You have spent $300 to $400, ONCE, and you are in business. No monthly fees, unless you want to spring for a backup service. Since the synched files can reside in more than one place this may not be necessary. Or you could buy a hard drive to backup to. 

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The first product is called TRANSPORTER and already accepts orders for shipment. There are three models ranging in price from $199 to $299 to $399. The differences are: purchaser-provided drive, 1TB drive, and 2TB drive. See their video embedded below. 

TRANSPORTER
The advantages of Transporter are:

• good looking
• intended for sharing
• has hard drive
• already available
• two units in synch means data is backed up
• 
  
  

The second product is called LIMA and expects to ship in April 2014. There is just one model, possibly in various colors, for an estimated price of $150. (The Kickstarter site says there are about 300 deals still available to purchase two for this price.) See their video embedded below.

LIMA
The advantages of LIMA are:

• uses your USB drives
• add up to 8 drives
• with the software installed LIMA replaces the memory on every device
• no need for lots of memory elsewhere, like your phone
• two units in synch means data is backed up
• 
  

Transporter and Lima are examples of how the Internet and new technology are providing decentralized solutions that are less expensive and greener. 

On the topics of file server solutions and paperless filing here are other article you might like.
Suggestions For An Electronic Filing System
Paperless Filing - How The Backend Works
Paperless Filing - How The Backend Works - Part 2