Plug computer

From Encyc

A Plug Computer is a small form factor network attached server for use in the home. It is a lower cost and lower power alternative to a PC based home server. In effect, a plug computer is a network appliance that is fully enclosed in an AC power plug or AC adapter.

Suitable for running a media server, back-up services, file sharing and remote access functions such devices can be used as a bridge between in home protocols such as Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) & Server Message Block (SMB or Samba) and cloud based services.

History[edit]

Initial devices in this form factor began to appear at the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show.[citation needed]

On January 6, 2009 CTERA Networks launched a device called CloudPlug that provides online backup at local disk speeds and overlays a file sharing service.[1][2][3]

On January 7, 2009, Cloud Engines unveiled Pogoplug, a device that lets users access their files at home over the internet without leaving a PC on.[4][5][6][7]

On January 8, 2009, Axentra announced availability of their HipServ platform for PlugTop Computing.[8]

On February 23, 2009, Marvell Technology Group announced its plans to build a mini-industry around plug computers.[9][10]

Notes[edit]

  1. "CTERA Networks Launches, Introduces Cloud Attached Storage" (Press release). Ctera networks. 6 January 2009. Retrieved 2009-02-25.
  2. Nelson, Fritz (January 11, 2009). CTERA at CES: USB as NAS and Cloud Backup. TechWebTV. Retrieved 2009-01-27. Unknown parameter |month2= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |year2= ignored (help)
  3. Lawson, Stephen (January 6, 2009). "Startup Ctera will offer cloud storage through carriers". Network World. Retrieved 2009-02-25.
  4. Clark, Don. "Gadgets for Leaner Times". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2009-01-27. Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  5. Needleman, Rafe (January 7, 2009). "Pogoplug puts any hard drive on the Internet". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-02-25.
  6. Lester, Dave (January 12, 2009). "Consumer electronics: Take a peek at geek chic". The Denver Post. Retrieved 2009-02-25.
  7. Pogoplug brings easy file sharing to your home network. Fast Company. January 7, 2009. Retrieved 2009-02-25.
  8. "Axentra Announces HipServ 2.0 for PlugTop Computing" (PDF) (Press release). Axentra. January 8, 2009. Retrieved 2009-02-25.
  9. "Marvell Bets on Plug Computers". The Wall Street Journal. February 23, 2009. Retrieved 2009-02-25.
  10. "Marvell Introduces Plug Computing ─ High-Performance, Low-Power, Exceptionally Small Computer for Managing and Storing Digital Media Assets" (Press release). Marvell Technology Group. February 24, 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-16.