Made possible by Bitcasa's virtual drive architecture, which uses the cloud as primary storage as opposed to a sync mechanism, the new software allows partners with Portable Operating System Interface (POSIX) compliant file systems and local caching requirements to natively cloud-enable devices. Integration is as easy as adding a local drive.
"Unlocking the true potential of connected devices requires an end to the dependency on local storage," said Brian Taptich, CEO of Bitcasa. "Our new CloudFS driver is the first step towards a platform that enables any developer to add the cloud as a ubiquitous setting in their hardware or software solution."
The new CloudFS driver is able to securely store all data types, including media, apps, contacts, and settings, by embedding the cloud at the OS level. This allows a user's entire digital life to be kept organized and accessible across any device regardless of local storage constraints.
Potential uses for the driver range from handsets that offer iCloud-like backup and transfer capabilities, to small IoT devices with no local storage running applications directly from the cloud, and hybrid servers created to manage elastic capacity requirements.
The CloudFS driver will benefit partners and their ecosystems by providing:
- Simple integration - a cloud drive can be mounted to a device OS as easily as a local drive, using a software driver and APIs that allow apps to communicate with the driver.
- Native experiences - the cloud appears as another local drive to users, is managed through the device settings menu, and provides developers with direct read/write access.
- Patented security - includes Bitcasa's recently patented zero-knowledge encryption method that also improves network efficiency to keep data safe.