Connected Data Receives Patent for Efficient File Replication Process

By Christopher Mohr, TMCnet Contributing Writer  |  August 14, 2015

Connected Data recently announced that it had been granted a patent for a file sync and share (FSS) process more efficient than typical services commonly used today. The process is designed to reduce bandwidth-related bottlenecks on Internet connections.

Santa Clara, California-based Connected Data, Inc. develops FSS solutions, including Transporter appliances, which come in 15, 30, 75, and 150-user variations, providing from eight to 24 terabytes disk capacity per node. They offer businesses more control over their data and eliminate monthly fees.

The patent, number 8,959,242, was secured in less than seven months and describes an FSS process that relies on peer-to-peer file sharing. A conventional service like Dropbox (News - Alert) puts a load on Internet bandwidth while it syncs from the cloud to the various devices setup in a given account. Connected Data only uses the Internet connection for updating between a given device and the cloud server. Syncing that data with other devices happens through peer-to-peer communication. 

Perhaps the strongest argument that Connected Data makes for its solution instead of public cloud services like Dropbox or Box (News - Alert) is that it has a more viable business model. The company states on its website that companies like Box and Dropbox are in a ‘race to the bottom’ on offering freebies that makes it likely they will go out of business. Box has yet to demonstrate profitability, while both it and Dropbox face the possibility of losing business to Microsoft and Google. Both software giants offer unlimited storage for less than what Box or Dropbox charge for finite storage for their fee-based services. Adding further to the revenue woes of Box and Dropbox is that the vast majority of users for both services use the free version.

Connected Data takes the argument a step further by pointing out the risk of cloud service providers going out of business, leaving sensitive data trapped and insecure. The fact that some data was not recovered after providers like Nirvanix (News - Alert) and Megacloud went out of business suggests that companies need to prepare for cloud providers going out of business the same way they handle disaster recovery.

It remains to be seen whether Connected Data can take a significant bite out of a cloud market that has a lot of momentum and strength, but it is hard to disagree with the company on the merits of its products. 




Edited by Maurice Nagle
Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. [Free eNews Subscription]