AOL Launches Xdrive

By Mike Sachoff - Tue, 06/12/2007 - 5:23pm.

AOL has launched the Open Xdrive, a public API that allows developers to create rich media management to share with their Web site users.

"AOL Launches Xdrive"

Users can upload and share all file types such as photos, videos, music and documents from any Web site using Xdrive. Files are stored and accessed from the user's personal online storage account.

Users of Xdrive will have 5 GB of free storage without limiting file size or bandwidth. Users have the option of upgrading their accounts to 50GB for $9.95 per month.

"Rich media management and online storage increases engagement. Giving consumers the ability to share their media assets help Website owners build awareness and increase their audience," said David Liu, Senior Vice President of AOL Portals.

"By utilizing each consumer's complimentary 5GB Xdrive account, a Website owner can benefit from these capabilities without incurring the usual infrastructure, operations, and development costs."

News Tags: AOL, API, Xdrive

About the author:
Mike is a staff writer for WebProNews.

Comments

Submitted by Ben Widhelm (WPN reader) on Wed, 06/13/2007 - 2:17pm.

XDrive "API"

I applaud AOL for their efforts to open XDrive, even if it is a half step...

Hesitant to jump into developing on this platform for 4 reasons:

1. JSON (JavaScript) only.
2. Unclear pricing model. 5 GB for free is great, $9.95 for 50 GB is ok, no indication of anything beyond. Sites like www.elephantdrive.com and www.mozy.com are giving away unlimited storage at that pricing...
3. Don't see the incentive for AOL the media company to commit themselves to the platform. Who is to say this won't go the way of their dialup business?
4. XDrive's platform has been consistently inconsistent. As one of the earliest players in the space, I'm sure they've wrestled mightily with legacy systems. Perhaps that has changed now that they are part of AOL, but I'm reserving judgment until there is some empirical data.

S3 remains the champion...