personal cloud storage (PCS)

Share This
Categories: Cloud

Personal cloud storage (PCS) is a local network-attached storage (NAS) device that lets users store data, photos, music, videos and other files and is optimized for media streaming.

PCS devices are a way for home users to experience the advantages of high-capacity, cloud-based storage without losing control of their data. Users can access content on their PCS device from multiple computers using a web browser, while mobile apps provide access from iOS and Android devices. Files can be shared without using a public cloud service.

PCS devices have a CPU, memory and operating system, and they use an Ethernet cord to plug into a Wi-Fi router. The most basic devices have one drive, store 1 TB to 2 TB of data, and are priced at around $150. More complex devices have dual disk drives with 16 TB or more of capacity and start at around $300.

Downloaded software or a web utility can assist with the device’s setup and management. Mobile device apps enable device syncing, file sharing and access to content from smartphones. Users retain control of their data stored locally on the device, but they can access it from anywhere on the internet.

Basic personal cloud storage devices come with installed hard drives. Others are diskless, and users buy drives and install them in drive bays. Multidrive devices provide RAID or JBOD striping capabilities and enable users to expand capacity when needed.

Another approach to personal cloud-based storage is to use a physical or virtual server to run client-server software, such as OwnCloud or Seafile. This do-it-yourself approach requires users to install server software and download client software on computers and mobile devices that will access the files on the PCS.