SANTA MONICA, Calif.-Data storage company Xdrive Inc. added a wireless component to its Internet-based storage offering and is looking to team up with wireless carriers or other industry players to promote the service.
“We’re always open to partnerships,” said Steve Rockey, Xdrive’s chief operating officer.
Xdrive’s storage service allows users to stash files, pictures, music and other digital information on the Internet. The service can be used to back up computer information or collaborate on work projects, and allows users to send stored information to e-mail or fax addresses. For $10 per month or $100 per year, users get access to 5 gigabytes of storage. For $300 per year, users get access to 50 GB.
“We’re looking at wireless as kind of a remote control” for Xdrive content, Rockey said. “The wireless trend is really continuing.”
Rockey said Xdrive’s new wireless component relies on technology from Oracle Corp. Under the offering, Xdrive users can direct their mobile browsers to www.mobile.xdrive.com and access their Xdrive accounts. Depending on the capabilities of their wireless browsers, users can access text information, images, music files or other information. Users also will be able to remotely send stored files to e-mail or fax addresses.
“You could make it like a virtual iPod,” Rockey said.
Xdrive has been offering Internet-based storage technology since 2001. The company manages around 400,000 files on a daily basis, and around 60,000 people access the site per month. Xdrive is privately held and counts around 30 employees. Rockey said wireless access to the Xdrive service will be included at no additional cost.
