iTwin Keys Better Than the Cloud

Seldom do we ever find true, easy-to-use alternatives to the cloud for home users. It's just so simple for a user to sync their computers with a cloud service and access what amounts to a virtual computer anywhere they have Internet access. Still, many users are still concerned with security. This is where the iTwin Remote File Access Device comes to the rescue. Providing the perfect mix of security, ease of use and portability, this is an all-in-one solution users of all levels will appreciate for remote access.

How Is iTwin Different?

If you're used to using cloud services, such as Dropbox or Google Docs, you understand how useful it is to be able to access your computer's files from anywhere. While both of these services are free, you are left storing your hard drive's files on these providers' computers. Should they be hacked, your information is at risk. If someone steals your log-in information, you open up all your stored files to a stranger.

With iTwin, your files never leave your own hard drive. No storing files with a different service and "hoping" nothing goes wrong. Instead of a user name and password, two USB keys are used to connect two different computers. Basically, it works as a handheld VPN. Since no files are stored remotely, there is never any need to wait for files to sync or backup. It also provides far more security for remote access than its online counterparts.

Features

The iTwin device itself is only slightly larger than your average flash drive. Instead of a single USB device, two keys are connected. These keys disconnect, allowing you to connect one to your home or office computer. The second key connects to the remote computer, allowing you to connect back to your home computer from wherever you are.

During the initial setup, you are required to leave the two keys connected. Follow the prompts to install the iTwin software, which is compatible with both Windows and Mac. Drag and drop any files you wish to access remotely into the newly created iTwin folder. You can change these files at any time. When ready, leave one key connected (it doesn't matter which one) and take the other with you.

When using iTwin, your files are encrypted using AES 256-bit, the same encryption used by reputable cloud services. However, you have two additional levels of security with the device. First, the physical keys must be used to access your files. You cannot connect to your computer without the keys. Think of them as physical passwords. If you ever lose your remote key, follow the instructions provided by iTwin during setup to disable the key and connection.

Two users are able to access the same file at one time, one on each computer. This works well if you need to work on files together or immediately need to see any changes made.

Cons

There are only a few cons to the iTwin device. First, many cloud access services are free. The iTwin costs $99. However, if you use a service that charges a monthly fee, then iTwin is the cheaper alternative. Its security is the main factor that makes the device worth the money.

You must always leave your main computer on in order to access it remotely. While we usually hear you need to turn off your electronics when they are not in use or you're away, iTwin will not connect unless your computer is on. This includes keeping it out of Standby or Hibernation mode.

The final con is really a problem. However, if you are used to backing up your files using cloud services, while benefiting from having remote access, your backup solution is taken away with iTwin. Instead, you should backup files using an external hard drive, such as the Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex Desk 2 TB External Hard Drive or the Western Digital My Book External 2 TB Hard Drive.

If you travel often or find the need for regular remote access to your computer's files, iTwin offers the best combination of security, ease of use and VPN access.

References:

PC Mag: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2379569,00.asp#fbid=1S-ikWIm1aD

Note: This was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Join the Yahoo! Contributor Network to start publishing your own shopping guides.