Ctera CloudPlug no longer available direct from Ctera

[boerner]

Since smallnetbuilder posted the announcement of their firmware updates supporting Time Machine backups, I went to Ctera's site to order a plug. I got distracted and walked away, and when I returned to go through with the purchase the Buy link was gone.

I chatted online today with them and they indicated they are no longer selling direct to end users, only via partners.

This is disappointing as it looked like a nice unit based on the earlier review.

Any chance that smallnetbuilder will weigh in on the firmware updates via an update to the review or the new policy?

 

[thiggins]

I'll be reviewing the C200 shortly, which will cover the new features.

I was unaware of Ctera discontinuing direct-to-consumer sales. I'll see what they have to say.

 

[boerner]

Thanks for asking Tim.

In the slideshow preview you posted today:

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/nas/nas-slideshows/31122-slideshowctera-c200

This is a typo on the ninth slide. The text currently reads:

"25 GB of online storage for a year costs and 50 GB costs 9."

Not quite sure what it should say...

 

[thiggins]

Thanks for the heads up. Fixed.

 

[Unregistered]

CTERA moves aways from end-users

CTERA move to a "partner program" means that its products are not intended to end-users. A company chooses to use partners if its products are either too complex or need constant service. In any case, it makes them too expensive and out of reach for end-users.

 

[thiggins]

CTERA move to a "partner program" means that its products are not intended to end-users. A company chooses to use partners if its products are either too complex or need constant service. In any case, it makes them too expensive and out of reach for end-users.

Not necessarily. I found the product very easy to use.
As noted in the review, I think the move is mainly due to CTERA's desire to focus on its core cloud storage business.