Of course, there is a security issue here: If it's easy for you to access your data this way, it is for others, too. If your organization uses best practices, however, such as logging out of the server console before leaving the station, this shouldn't be a problem.
Always Back Up
Another common use for portable hard disks or external DVD/CD burners is for quick insurance backups. Because there is a limit to space on the server, it often makes sense to back up users' data individually on a regular basis, and especially before scheduled upgrades or changes to the network system. If sensitive data can't be put on a public share, but doesn't fit locally on the user's space, an external optical device is a good solution. Likewise, when users need to exchange a large amount of data, it can be faster to burn it to a CD-RW disk and simply pass the disk around, instead of waiting for a time-consuming network transfer. You can even save money by designating one machine that connects via USB or 1394 to burn CDs, rather than equipping every machine with a burner.
When purchasing portable storage, we recommend that you go with a familiar company. This market has 10,000 knockoffs that all look like good deals. They might be, but support after the sale is more important than a few bucks off the top. Make sure that the seller can take care of your business needs and any RMA (Return Materials Authorization) you might have in a timely manner.
Steven J. Schuchart Jr. covers storage and servers for Network Computing. Write to him at [email protected].
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