My Cloud EX2 Ultra NAS From Western Digital

Western Digital Corporation (WDC) updated its prosumer solutions with My Cloud EX2 Ultra, a two-bay NAS system.

The My Cloud EX2 Ultra NAS is designed for creative professionals and prosumers that need to automatically sync content across computers, easily share files and folders and enjoy multiple backup options so they can create their own personalized digital library with ease.

My Cloud EX2 rear

“We know our My cloud users, especially creative professionals, need comprehensive solutions as digital storage needs continue to soar as well as the need for ongoing streaming capability,” said Jim Welsh, EVP, branded products, WD. “With the My Cloud EX2 Ultra, creative professionals are able to combine high performance with multi-tasking optimization and data protection to create a NAS system that simplifies their workflow and provides peace-of-mind.“

My Cloud EX2 Ultra has been upgraded with a 1.3 GHz dual-core processor enabling users to get ultra-fast transfer rates for high performance and smooth video streaming. Users also have access to 1GB of DDR3 memory, allowing them to multitask with ease and leverage applications for HD media streaming, surveillance and much more. Several data management and security features allow users to select a preferred method for managing and protecting their movies, photos, music and digital files. Drive management options include RAID-0, RAID-1; JBOD and spanning modes, while data protection options include NAS to NAS, USB, cloud or LAN/WAN backup. This NAS comes preconfigured in RAID-1 mode to help protect data right from the start and is configurable into other data protection modes.

Capacity and reliability
From unpopulated to 12TB capacities ⁽¹⁾, this NAS provides several capacity options for customers to choose from. Additionally, customers can attach compatible USB 3.0 HDDs to the USB expansion ports on the NAS to instantly expand their storage capacity. The My Cloud EX2 Ultra features the firm’s Red HDDs, specifically built for NAS systems to provide non-stop performance within 24×7 environments. WD Red drives are powered by NASware 3.0 technology, improving drive reliability and minimizing data corruption in the event of a power loss or disruption.

Easy sharing with anywhere access
With simplified file and folder sharing, users can send customized, private links that allow recipients R/W access to particular files on the user’s My Cloud EX2 Ultra. Whether on a photo shoot, or editing at home, saving creations at full fidelity and sharing with your entire network is a breeze. It features an intuitive dashboard, so user accounts can be created, features customized and storage can be monitored with ease. With MyCloud.com web access, or the My Cloud mobile app, users can access their media and manage users from any internet connected device. With WD Sync, users can automatically synchronize their media and files across their computers and their MyCloud device with the confidence that their computer content is up to date and accessible from all devices.

Features
This NAS includes data serving options including an integrated FTP and WebDAV server, backup server, P2P download server and Microsoft Active Directory support. Additionally, users can download and run a host of third party apps, including, Plex, Milestone Arcus surveillance, aMule, Icecast, Joomla!, Anti-Virus Essentials, WordPress, SqueezeCenter, and more. Users can also stream videos and photos to connected TVs, media players, gaming consoles and other DLNA/UPnP devices with the included Twonky 7.2 DLNA-certified 1.5 media server, and built-in iTunes support.

My Cloud EX2 Ultra NAS is currently available at select U.S. retailers and online at the company’ webstore. MSRP is $159.99 for the diskless My Cloud EX2 Ultra, $349.99 for 4TB, $449.99 for 8TB and $599.99 for 12TB.

The WD MyCloud mobile app currently is available for download for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play. This NAS comes with a two-year limited warranty on the diskless device and a three-year limited warranty on the pre-configured devices.

Compatibility
My Cloud EX2 Ultra is compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows Vista, OS X El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion as well as DLNA/UPnP enabled devices.

⁽¹⁾ System is shipped in RAID-1 configuration, which leaves half of the system capacity available for storage. It is configurable to RAID-0; JBOD or spanned, which leaves all system capacity available for storage. Up to 0.1TB may be reserved for non-user accessible storage.