Western Digital (WD) has introduced its My Book World Edition family of shared storage appliances in the country.

The new products, including My Book World Edition and My Book World Edition II, allow consumers and home office workers to securely access their digital content, such as photos, home videos, and documents.

The My Book World Edition has a capacity of 500 GB, while the My Book World Edition II includes all of the features of My Book World Edition in a dual-drive configuration for 1 TB of capacity and RAID capability.

The products incorporate new software called 'WD Anywhere Access,' which simplifies access to digital content, breaking the barriers to physical proximity to that content.

Anywhere Access comes with a unique feature called Data OnHand, which makes My Book World Edition active in Windows Explorer and Windows 'Save As' and 'Open' options when connected to the Internet. This simplifies access to content, even if the user is thousands of miles away from his/her My Book World Edition appliance.

Commenting on the launch, Sharad Srivastava, Sales Director for South Asia and India, WD, said, "The My Book World Edition shared storage appliances eliminate the limits of traditional external hard drives. With these appliances, a user can carry one terabyte of data wherever he/she goes, and also have his/her personal content safe at home. This new concept in storage enables virtually limitless accessibility to family, friends, and associates for sharing and backup."

And in a new twist to today's popular social networks, the My Book World Edition enables friends and family to share digital content such as photos and documents anywhere in the world, without the hassle or insecurity of having to upload it to a third-party website.

Both models of My Book World Edition are compatible with wired and wireless networks, and equipped with a lighted on/off button; easy-to-use backup software; unique capacity gauge LED that allows users discern remaining storage space; and a three-year limited warranty.

In addition, they also come with EMC Retrospect Express backup software; one Ethernet port; one USB 2.0 port to instantly add more storage; intelligent drive management features; and LED activity lights.

The My Book World Edition family is available via the company's online store, as well as through Mediaman Infotech, retail stores, and online retailers.

The My Book World Edition II is available for around Rs 24,950, while My Book World Edition 500 GB is shipping for about Rs 13,950.