CTERATM Networks Ltd. has introduced its Cloud Attached Storage technology, bundling Network Attached Storage (NAS) and cloud storage services into a single appliance.

The new technology marries the performance and simplicity of a local NAS device with the scalability and reliability of cloud storage to enable service providers to launch new consumer and small business services.

The company is unveiling its smallest form factor appliance, the CloudPlug: a plug-top computing device that transforms any external USB hard drive into a NAS device with automatic backup.

The contents of any attached USB drive are automatically backed up online without the need for any user intervention or PC client software, thus ridding users of the tedious task of setting up a dedicated file server and managing the backup process.

"The transparency of an appliance-based service makes it especially appealing to service providers looking to efficiently deploy large-scale managed storage services," said Liran Eshel, founder and chief executive officer at CTERA Networks. "We are actively working with ISPs and MSPs seeking to integrate new managed storage services as part of their next-generation broadband offerings."

"The emergence of cloud storage, coupled with innovations in the established Network Attached Storage market, presents new and exciting opportunities. The challenge is to make storage more reliable and at the same time keep it cost-effective," said Arad Naveh, general partner at Benchmark Capital. "We look forward to working with the CTERA team to introduce this new technology to the market."