"We're flooding the consumer with a tremendous amount of content, whether it's media, whether it's video, music, film, tape… and no one is giving an elegant solution on how to handle that, how to manage it, how to share it. What we've done here is added a software solution or a storage solution…that allows you to access your data anywhere, share your data, obviously back it up immediately, but then synchronize it with all your devices. So again, what we're trying to do is expand the footprint of a hard drive into more of a storage solution." And part of the strategy here is to have a service component as well for users? "As part of what you get, with this, is you get a back up to the Internet. And we'll give you a service on that, a free service if you buy the drive."
There will be a limited amount of free online storage….but the FreeAgent line is designed to make it more simple to back up Outlook files for instance….and move them to an Ipod. The FreeAgent drives….ranging from pocket sized 12 gigabyte models…up to 750 gigabyte drives….arrive in stores next month. Bloomberg Boot Camp, I'm Fred Fishkin.