Automatic Online Data Backup From SanDisk

Sandisk has announced the launch of its Cruzer Titanium Plus USB flash drive that offers automatic online backup for every file copied on to it. The Cruzer Titanium Plus will be featured at the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show at Las Vegas.

With a capacity of 4GB, the Cruzer Titanium Plus is the first flash memory product from SanDisk to offer online backup. Users get the best of both worlds, with access online and offline: data is always available when the device is plugged into a computer. Users also get quick access to their backed-up files through any computer connected to the Internet, should they forget to bring the drive with them, or if it is lost or stolen.

The drive comes with six months of free online backup service. After quickly opening a personal password-protected online account, any files copied to the drive – documents, photos, digital music, spreadsheets, digital videos, work presentations – are automatically backed up online. If the computer isn’t online when files are copied to the drive, the backup will take place automatically the next time there's an Internet connection.

Cruzer Titanium Plus even helps protect against accidental deletion of important files – any files deleted from the drive can be easily recovered by signing into the online backup account.

"This is a true 'set-it-and-forget-it' data protection. SanDisk is reducing anxiety through an innovative new form of online backup," said Hezy Rotman, vice president and general manager of SanDisk’s USB Division. "We believe the Cruzer Titanium Plus will encourage people to use flash drives for storing important data, not just transferring files from one computer to another.

Image Source: Gearlog

Beyond online backup, Cruzer Titanium Plus offers several additional data protection features like a rugged, crush-resistant metal case, optional security by turning on password protection (with AES hardware data encryption) for all files stored on the drive, two years of free lost-and-found service from BoomerangIt. A BoomerangIt sticker is provided, to be put on the drive; if the drive is recovered, the owner typically pays shipping costs and offers a small reward.

The online backup service for Cruzer Titanium Plus is powered by BeInSync. The drive is expected to be available in the US in March 2008, at a suggested manufacturer’s retail price of $59.99 (Rs 2,365). The online backup service requires Windows 2000 (SP4), Windows XP or Windows Vista. After six months of free service, online backup will cost $29.99 (Rs 1,182) per year, payable via credit card.