Pogoplug has begun shipping the business version of its Linux-based home media server, which allows people to securely access their files and media from any internet connection.
In a blog post on Tuesday, Pogoplug said it is now selling its Pogoplug Biz device and its new Pogoplug Wireless Extender in the US. The Wireless Extender is a dongle that makes it possible to place the media server anywhere within Wi-Fi range of an internet connection, rather than having to hook it up to an Ethernet cable.
In addition, the company has started rolling out a firmware update to Pogoplug that enables cloud printing. To use the feature, the device must be attached to an HP or Epson printer made since 2005. It can be attached either via USB or by connecting the printer to the same network. Once that is done, the user can send a print job to that printer from any internet-connected device in the world, including iPhones and Android devices.
The Pogoplug Biz has several features lacking in its consumer cousin. Photo credit: Pogoplug
The Pogoplug Biz device is black and white, rather than the shocking pink employed in the consumer Pogoplug. As with the original device, it can act as a network-attached storage (NAS) device and basic server. Up to four extra external hard drives can be attached, and Pogoplugs can be installed in chains for greater storage capacity.
The business device allows users or their customers and clients to upload and download files from iPhone, Android, Blackberry and Palm handsets, or from iPads and PCs. The company offers a BlackBerry app for these purposes. Unlike the consumer version, the Pogoplug Biz supports multiple users.
The Pogoplug Biz also includes the ability to audit the number of times a file has been viewed, streamed or downloaded. In addition, businesses can customise the look of the interface that customers see. Custom upload folders can also be created, with each one being assigned an unique email address that can be shared with customers. View-only web sharing is also possible, as is remote back-up.
The Pogoplug Biz is somewhat more expensive than the consumer version of the device, as it is priced at $299 (£193) rather than $99. It is listed on the company's website as "coming soon in the UK and Europe" but, as the original Pogoplug costs £99, the business version may end up costing closer to £300 than £200 in the UK.
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