If you are using a cloud storage to backup your important data you might want to invest in the Western Digital My Cloud Ex2 Ultra personal cloud storage. This is a NAS device – Network attached storage.
Cloud EX2 Ultra 8TB Unboxing
Inside the box you will get the My Cloud EX2 server dual bay NAS 8TB Raid hard drives, user manual warranty information, Ethernet cable and power adapter.
Design
The WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra NAS is packed inside a plastic body, very good build and finishing. This private server is eye catchy and the top part can be opened to unveil the Hard Drives. This is a dual bay NAS server that means you can house 2 hard drives (Raid system).
You can get the My Cloud EX2 Ultra without hard drive or with 4TB, 8TB and 12TB storage capacities. On the rear there are 2x USB ports, a RJ45 port and DC in.
On the front bottom there are 3 LED – Disk 1, Disk 2 and power.
My Cloud EX2 Ultra Installation
The installation process is pretty simple, all you need to do is connect the Ethernet cable into the RJ45 port and into the router and simply plug in the power. It takes few minutes before the Cloud EX2 Ultra gets ready to serve.
Once you switch on the Disk 1 and Disk 2 LED will become stable and the power LED will keep blinking. Every time you start the EX2 Ultra it will check disk for consistency and hence takes time. Once the server is ready you will see all the 3 LEDs lighting up (constant).
For first time setup, type in the MyCloud.com/setup in your mobile / PC web browser and follow the steps. You will need to create users so they can access their private space or if you want you can share data too.
Once a user is created they will get an email and will need to follow some steps to activate their account. The user will also need to use My Cloud app on Android, on iOS or on their Desktop. On mobile devices the app gives the user an option to automatically backup the media files on to the Cloud EX2 Ultra storage.
The EX2 Ultra that I used for the review came with 8TB of storage space.
Specifications
- Black Body
- 1.3GHz dual core processor
- 1GB RAM (DDR3)
- Sails on My Cloud OS 3
- Supports Synchronized content, Sharing, custom backup, volume encryption (256 AES), RAID and Media streaming by Plex.
It’s using Raid system wherein data is stored on one drive and then replicated on the other drive. In case of a Hard Drive Failure you can simply replace the failed device and data will be mirrored onto the new Drive from the other working drive.
Verdict
This is a very good and cheaper option for those who are already using cloud storage for backing up their personal data specially photos and videos. A personal storage gives you a lot more storage space and the same kind of secure environment. You can access the cloud storage from anywhere, take backups and best part is that the data is actually being stored at your home or office.
Western Digital My Cloud EX2 Ultra is a very good option for high volume data backup for office / home use. It is pricey but a onetime investment and of course you need a good always on net connection.
Rating 4 out of 5.
Western Digital My Cloud EX2 Ultra with 8TB storage is available for Rs. 48,449.
