Computer manufacturer, Acer is set to roll out a free service, called AcerCloud, that enables users to share and store multimedia files from their personal devices to a central repository in the cloud.
AcerCloud uses Acer Always Connect technology that lets users retrieve multimedia and data files anytime, even when their main PC is in sleep mode.
The service will be available on all new Acer consumer PCs in the second quarter of 2012. It will support all Android devices, while future support is planned for Windows-based devices.
It lets users take photos on a smartphone, and then view them on a main PC at home or in the office, without the delay of manually transferring files. It also allows users to purchase a movie from a PC, and then watch it on a tablet or smartphone.
Leslie Smyth, Acer retail channel manager, says Acer designed AcerCloud to appeal to what it calls the ‘new age consumer’, who uses multiple smart devices that don’t work together. He says the service makes it easier for users to move, store and back up content across multiple devices.
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Smyth explains that uptake of digital convergence has been relatively slow in SA in comparison with European markets, but he believes cloud computing will change that, particularly in the education sector.
He explains: “For students, it’s a lot easier for them to get to their research, do assignments, post them in their ‘cloud box’; [lecturers] can mark their exams, and students can access their assignments later and look at reviews. We feel education is going to be the biggest cloud drive to get all the information [students] need that’s at hand. And if any of their devices get lost, it will still be secure.”
He adds that mobile device proliferation in SA is another key driver of cloud computing. “There are more than 600 million cellphone users in Africa, and a lot of those cellphones are not smartphones. As infrastructure develops and as the costs are driven down in terms of data and connection, we will see a content explosion in the African market and cloud computing will play a big role in that, too.”
Smyth says Acer will not be charging consumers to use AcerCloud, but they will need to use an Acer product to drive the service.
AcerCloud is not only targeted at consumers, but at business users as well, he adds. Mobile workers can update sales documents on a PC, and the documents will be put into their personal cloud and streamed to other devices.
He says: “It will make business more productive and create more paperless environments, and encourage information and content sharing. If any of the hardware goes missing, all of that critical information is stored.”
According to the company, the files will be temporarily accessible for 30 days in the personal cloud and on the devices, or users can choose to download the files onto other devices for long-term storage.
Source:http://www.itweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51788:acer-personalises-the-cloud&catid=284
