I have a couple of the original USB Drobos and today I found out that one has to pay an annual fee for continued access to software and firmware updates! I own several RAIDs from LaCie, Apple and a couple of other manufacturers but never heard of paying for software or firmware updates, which could be necessary with the release of a new version of your computer's OS. So in effect if you don't opt to pay this annual fee, PER DROBO!, your unit/units could turn into bookends with your next computer purchase or OS update and you could lose access to all your data!

This is from their website:

"Why is Data Robotics charging for extended software upgrades?
Due to strict accounting rules that govern a hardware manufacturer’s ability to provide feature or functionality enhancements, it is not possible to offer free software feature enhancements beyond the initial warranty period."

Don't understand why when all the other hardware manufacturers that I know of have free software/firmware upgrades, as long as they're available, for many years after the initial purchase date. This includes all my cameras, computers, audio/video equipment, phones, etc., etc., etc., basically every upgradable piece of hardware that I currently own; besides DROBO.

Check it out, support is charged at a very high price, over 10% of the cost of the unit per annum:

http://www.drobo.com/buydrobocare/?s...TDF072604820;:
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david

This is an old issue, and they have clarified many times on the forum.

Patches/fixes will still be free. In the event they add new features, you will need to pay for them.

Big deal.

news to me, I guess I missed it