Western Digital launches 4TB NAS

Called the Share Space, it comes in two configurations, 2TB and 4TB, using 1TB hard disks.

The company claims that the system is environmentally friendly, as it uses slower spinning disks, running at 5,400rpm rather than the more usual 7,200 rpm, so requires less cooling.

While this would usually impact the speed at which data is found, Western Digital said it has got around that problem with its Inteliseek system. This enables the information to be found faster.

The options cost either Dhs599 or Dhs999.

Speaking to AME Info, the company said that right now, it is not planning to produce any solid state hard drives (SSD), which are beginning to crop up in some laptops now as an alternative to the traditional disks.

These SSDs have no moving parts, and so are smaller and lighter than normal hard disks, helping to reduce the weight of a laptop. Additionally, they run cooler, so don't draw as much power by not using a fan.

Their downside is that right now, sizes are still very small, so they are not suitable for anyone with high storage requirements.

Khwaja Saifuddin, Director of Sales for the region, said it was still a niche market: 'We're looking at the market. I don't see it growing in the next 24 months.' Also, he added, it was still not a proven technology.

Currently external drives make up about 25% of Western Digital's sales, but it is an area that is booming - particularly the portable external drives.

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