WD today unveiled WD SmartWare Pro, a software tool that
gives users the power to back up their files to any USB
external hard drive or the cloud using their personal
Dropbox.
Additionally, in the event that a file is deleted, lost, or
a previous version of a file is needed, WD SmartWare Pro
makes it easy to restore and retrieve backed-up data.
WD SmartWare Pro has a simple installation interface. Once
the software is setup and the drives are connected, the
software visually presents users' files and folders in a
control center where they can manage multiple external hard
drives and their Dropbox account. WD SmartWare Pro is
compatible with WD products such as My Passport and WD
Elements portable hard drives, as well as external USB
drives from other manufacturers. Additionally, WD SmartWare
Pro works with WD network attached storage drives such as My
Book Live.
The software has two backup settings. The "continuous
backup" setting sets up an automatic, continuous backup that
works in the background so that whenever a user adds or
changes a file it is instantly backed up on the external
drive. The "scheduled backup" setting allows users to set up
a regular pre-programmed backup schedule, including an
hourly, daily or monthly setting for easy backup to their
external drive or Dropbox. With WD SmartWare Pro users can
also back up files located in their Dropbox to an external
hard drive.
File restoration and retrieval is quick with WD SmartWare
Pro through the "retrieve interface". The software can be
configured to save up to 25 older versions of a file. Users
can navigate the retrieve interface to restore all the
backed up files or select a particular file or folder to
restore.
WD SmartWare Pro is currently available as a free 30-day
trial at www.wdstore.com. After the 30-day trial a standard
license, valid for use with up to three computers, is
available for a promotional price of $19.95 US. A premium
license, valid for use with up to ten computers, is
available for a special promotional price of $39.95 US.
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $29.95 US
for the standard license and $49.95 US for the premium
license.