Cloud Engines Pogoplug Biz

 

The standard Cloud Engines Pogoplug device is a great way to share files on your USB drives across the Internet. Since it supports only a single user, however, it's really suitable only for personal use. Enter Pogoplug Biz ($299, price as of October 28, 2010): This network-attached storage device gives multiple users direct access, adds a host of management features, and facilitates off-site backup, too. 

Befitting its more serious role, Pogoplug Biz ditches the single-user Pogoplug's bright pink exterior in favor of white. (A smidgen of pink remains on the front "active" light, but hey, that's the company's thing, so...) Otherwise, the two units are physically identical, with four USB 2.0 ports for attaching drives and printers (the latter is a new feature), a gigabit ethernet port, and a power jack. You can add a $29 Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n adapter to access your network and the Internet wirelessly.

The Biz shares the plain Pogoplug's simple setup. Plug the unit into AC power and then into the router. Afterward, go online to Pogoplug.com, create an account or sign in to your existing one, and step through the online wizard that automatically detects the unit. You don't even need to enter the serial number in most cases, though according to the company some users may still have to (why is unclear).
You can attach or detach drives at any time, but only what's attached will be available online. You may access files on the USB drives attached to the Pogoplug from a PC anywhere on the Internet via a Web browser. You may also access files across the local network from your Windows, Mac, or Linux desktop with the installation of the Pogoplug Drive client. Apps are available for accessing your data from an iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, or Palm device, too.


The Biz version does have differences that set it apart from its pink, consumer-oriented sibling. It supports multiple users, each of whom can have their own dedicated storage folders. It also supports printing from anywhere to any printer attached to the Biz. The main account holder can allow viewing but prohibit downloading, as well as customize the online workspace with the company logo. You can also upload a file by attaching it to an e-mail addressed to upload@mypogoplug.com. Following the logic of the interface, this approach should work for all users; however, I was unable to upload files with anything other than the master/owner account. CloudEngines has acknowledged this bug, and is working on a fix.