Back in June, Data Robotics unveiled Drobo; dubbed as a “data storage robot,” though in reality Drobo actually a pretty intelligent redundant data storage backup device. It’s unique, easy to set up, use, and expand system combined the best of RAID 0 and 5 into a flexible system that anyone can use.

However, one of Drobo’s biggest pitfalls (depending on how you look at it) is that it was designed as a DAS (Direct Attached Storage) device, omitting the convenience of network accessibility. Sure, you could plug Drobo into another PC and share it out on a network, but in a world going green, users don’t want to leave a PC on 24/7 in order to pull up files on a Drobo. Shy of a few other workarounds, like Apple Airport Extreme and certain routers with USB drive support, Drobo seemed like it wouldn’t be talking to your network any time soon. Times however, are changing. Drobo has a new friend… and it speaks two languages.

The newly announced DroboShare does what long time Drobo users have been clamoring for since Drobo first launched… make Drobo network accessible, but without the complication and hassle of other NAS (Network Attached Storage) products. After a little hands-on time with a Beta unit kindly sent over by Data Robotics, I’m excited to give you this first in-depth look at DroboShare. Does it meet expectations?

Meet DroboShare

I’ll get this out of the way; DroboShare is not a quick-to-market, half-assed accessory to get Drobo out on a network. Everything from the styling to build quality is top notch; exactly as you would expect from Data Robotics. This slim device is exactly the same depth and width as the Drobo (just shorter), and is designed to sit underneath your Drobo. Since the top of the enclosure is perforated, and you can see the components inside, it’s not cosmetically pleasant to have DroboShare sitting out on its own. They share the same aesthetic features (gloss black front, green lights, and black metal case), and Share even includes little pits in the top that match up perfectly with Drobo’s feet. Together they look tight, and actually appear like they belong together.

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