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Backup ThoughtsIf you've ever lost all the data on your hard drive due to a system crash or a virus "invasion", you understand the importance of backing up your data. For those of you haven't experienced that particular "pain", take it from us, it's something you'll never forget nor want to go through again! Calling your friends and business partners and asking them if they could send your work back to you. Lost files, intellectual property - and most importantly, time. You just can't afford it.
There are many alternatives for you to consider (so there is NO excuse to not back-up your files!). You can:
Why should you consider an online back-up service for your business?
Online BackupThere are a plethora of small, and large, companies offering online back-up services. Most are focused on the "Windows World" so Macintosh users, beware. Because the market is so highly fragmented, doing your homework in advance will save you time, money and frustration in the future. When choosing your provider make sure that they can meet not only your current but future needs as well. Changing providers, transferring your files again (that first upload to the provider can take a while - even over a broadband connection. 2GB of data over a connection running 128 Kbps - even at maximum throughput - is not a task you want to sit at your desk for) can be a hassle and time waster. So what should you look for in a good online back-up provider?
There is a lot to think about. Our review of Online Back-Up Services and Service Providers that follows will help. If you'd like more information online back-up services in general go to All About Remote Back-up. (Note: If you don't recall our rating system: Rating Guide.)
Online Backup and Disaster Recovery ReviewOnline Back-Up Services and Service Providers* (Rankings - best, 5 symbols, worst, 1 symbol)
* A = Amateur, R = Rookie, P = Pro
Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹ The BackJack service is targeted only at Macintosh users. BackJack supplies easy to use client software that let's you set-up your back-ups automatically. You can tell it what to back-up and when to do it (individual files, folders or the whole disk drive). You can change these parameters, including file version retention. Cost - $$$$ BackJack offers a two pricing plans.
Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹ Once you set-up this automated service, it runs by itself and you won't have to worry about making sure you've remembered to back-up your files. And, if you're on the road and something "bad" happens, you'll have access to your data quickly and securely. Ease of Use - @@@@ The BackJack software is straightforward to install, implement and use. Works With - YYY BackJack is designed for the Macintosh environment only. Support - pppp BackJack's web site contains a FAQ and software downloads. If you need more help, you can email BackJack tech support or call them on their "800" number from 9 AM to 5 PM daily. If you have problems outside of normal business hours, BackJack supplies an "800" number where you can leave a message. Tech support is then paged and they respond as quickly as possible to your problem. Features - iii1/2 The BackJack services features automatic backup scheduling, automatic revision handling and integration of 128-bit CAST encryption for your data. Overall Rating - %%%1/2+ BackJack is one of the few alternatives for Macintosh users. If you've got a Mac and want to make sure your data is "covered", this is a good service for you to consider.
Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹ Cypherus WebVault service is new. It appears to be straight forward to setup for use. Cost - $$$$ The WebVault service is priced at $19.95 per month. Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹ Once you set-up this automated service, it runs by itself and you won't have to worry about making sure you've remembered to back-up your files. And, if you're on the road and something "bad" happens, you'll have access to your data quickly and securely. Ease of Use - @@@@ Again, the service is new, no experiential data is available. Works With - YYY WebVault appears to be a service designed for the Windows environment. Support - Inc. Cypherus does not currently have technical support information available for the webVault service. Features - iii1/2 The WebVault service allows you to backup your email and other data using an Internet connection. The big plusses for the Cyperus service are encrypted access and data security as well as permanent shredding of proprietary email. Overall Rating - %%%1/2+ The WebVault service appears to be an interesting contender in the secure back-up service category.
Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹1/2 All you have to do is download the client from Data Deposit Box to get going. It automatically selects common file folders for backup (like My Documents, Desktop and Outlook/Outlook Express), and you can then select others that you want backed up. Cost - $$$$1/2 VERY cost effective - but you'll have to do some math (or use Data Deposit Box's online Bill Estimator) to figure out why! Pricing is $2.00 per GB. So, if you had 10GB of data to back up the cost would be $2.00*5 = $10.00 per month. Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹ If you've had your hard drive fail and spent days (or even weeks) recovering your work you already know why an online backup service like this one is a big help. Additionally, it can serve as a way to access files you need while you're on the road. In any case, First Backup's service is well designed to make sure you experience a short business interruption only should you lose your hard drive or experience a system failure for any other reason. Ease of Use - @@@@ The Data Deposit Box client software is easy to install and begin using to automatically backup your system. Works With - YYY The Data Deposit Box client is designed for the Windows environment. Support - pp1/2 With inexpensive pricing, don't expect a ton of technical support. In fact, they only support we could find on their web site was via email. Not the best strategy for ensuring you can get to your data when you need to. Features - iii1/2 Continuous and automatic backup of your files with password protection - at a good price. Overall Rating - %%%% Wonderful pricing, but we'd love to see more in the way of support. Nevertheless, you can't beat the price and the service is easy to use.
Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹ Embarq's Media Safe services are simple to set-up for use. The Basic Account comes free with Embarq High-Speed Internet services. Cost - $$$$ Embarq offers four Media Safe service options.
Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹ Once you set-up this automated service, it runs by itself and you won't have to worry about making sure you've remembered to back-up your files. And, if you're on the road and something "bad" happens, you'll have access to your data quickly and securely. Ease of Use - @@@@ Embarq's service is simple to understand and use to back-up or share files. Works With - YYYYY All you need is a browser that supports encryption. Support - pppp The EMBARQ web site allows you to manage your account as well as update personal information. Technical information is also available on the web site and if you need more help, you can email or call EMBARQ technical support personnel on their "800" number. Features - iii1/2 A standard online backup service that you can use to share files and ensure availability of your data. Encryption is supported. Overall Rating - %%%1/2+ Especially attractive for home business owners already using Embarq high-speed Internet services.
Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹1/2 To begin with First Backup you download their client. Then you decide which files/folders/drives you want to back-up and execute the command. An icon is always present on the task bar of your system. Restoring files is just a click away should you need to "bring back" your files. Cost - $$$1/2
Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹ If you've had your hard drive fail and spent days (or even weeks) recovering your work you already know why an online backup service like this one is a big help. Additionally, it can serve as a way to access files you need while you're on the road. In any case, First Backup's service is well designed to make sure you experience a short business interruption only should you lose your hard drive or experience a system failure for any other reason. Ease of Use - @@@@ The First Backup software is straightforward to install, implement and use. Works With - YYY First Backup's client is for the Windows environment only. If you are in a Linux or Macintosh environment, you'll have to look elsewhere. Support - pppp The tech support area on First Backup's web site includes a quick-start guide, how to use the service if you have AOL as your ISP (always an issue!) and FAQ's. You can contact tech support via email, at their "800" number or by online chat - but they are available only from 8 AM to 5 PM Central Monday through Saturday (the industry "standard" - we'd like to see more, but we understand there is significant cost associated with having people available 24x7). Features - iiii First Backup's service is everything you'd expect - automated or manual backup and restoral services when you need them. They also offer CD or DVD media (for an extra charge) should you require or desire this service. Overall Rating - %%%% Mid-range pricing, solid service offerings. First Backup delivers everything you'd expect or need in an online back-up service. A service most of live without - but shouldn't!
Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹ Global Data Vault offers easy to use client software (Windows-based only) that let's you set-up your back-ups automatically. You can tell it what to back-up and when to do it (individual files, folders or the whole disk drive). You can change these parameters, including file version retention. Cost - $$$$ Global Data Vault offers straight monthly pricing. There is also a one time licensing fee of $15.00 at start-up.
Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹ Once you set-up this automated service, it runs by itself and you won't have to worry about making sure you've remembered to back-up your files. And, if you're on the road and something "bad" happens, you'll have access to your data quickly and securely. Ease of Use - @@@@ The Global Data Vault software is straightforward to install, implement and use. Works With - YYY Global Data Vault's client is designed for the Windows environment only. Support - pppp Global Data Vault's web site includes an installation guide. If you need help, you can contact technical support via email or at their "800" number. Features - iii1/2 The Global Data Vault service offers the features and functions one would expect in an online back-up service - client, automation and storage options. Overall Rating - %%%% Global Data Vault offers a good service at a moderate price.
Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹ Hostway's service includes an easy-to-use desktop application that automates the backup process. Cost - $$$$ Hostway's pricing is straight forward based on number of amount of data backed-up and/or data backed-up and number of desktops. Hostway only offers the service to web hosting customers - minimum web hosting service cost is $15.95 per month.
Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹ Once you set-up this automated service, it runs by itself and you won't have to worry about making sure you've remembered to back-up your files. And, if you're on the road and something "bad" happens, you'll have access to your data quickly and securely. Ease of Use - @@@@ Hostway's desktop application automates the back-up task so you won't have to worry about starting the process every days. Works With - YYY Hostway's desktop application is designed for the Windows environment. Support - pppp Hostway has a solid reputation in the industry for reliability and availability (they've won awards for their "professionalism"). Their strong reporting capabilities ensure that you can "keep them honest" as well. The tech support area of the web site includes a number of FAQ's user guides and third party documentation. If you need more help you can email or call technical support on their "800" number (if your plan includes phones support). Features - iii1/2+ Hostway's service includes automation and encrypted file transfer. Data restoral is available from the desktop application or a secure web site. Overall Rating - %%%% Hostway offers a competitive service at a competitive price. Only problem is that you have to be a Hostway web hosting customer as well.
Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹ Iomega's iStorage services can be set up and managed either through a browser-based interface or an included back-up client. The Professional service includes an administration interface as well. All are straight forward to use and implement. Cost - $$$$ Iomega's iStorage products come in two "flavors".
Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹ Once you set-up this automated service, it runs by itself and you won't have to worry about making sure you've remembered to back-up your files. And, if you're on the road and something "bad" happens, you'll have access to your data quickly and securely. Ease of Use - @@@@ Browser-based interface, automated back-up client, and in the case of the Professional services, an administration interface makes using and maintaining your online files simple and straight forward. Works With - YYYY Iomega offers backup solutions for Windows and Macintosh. Support - ppp1/2+ Iomega's web site includes a searchable knowledge base, software downloads and manuals. If you need more help, they offer user forums where you can find answers by interacting with other users, live "chat" and telephone support Monday through Friday 9 AM to 10 PM Eastern time at a cost of $25 per incident. Features - iiii Iomeg'a iStorage services includes an automated backup client, AES encryption, time stamp versioning, drag and drop or HTTP file management, wireless access, file sharing, WhaleMail, firewall and security settings, FTP access and file resume. The Professional service also includes account management, the ability to back up multiple PCs to a single account and shared groups support for internal and external users. Overall Rating - %%%% Iomega offers two easy to use and understand online backup services that you help you protect your data whether you have a single computers or more than one.
Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹ Iron Mountain Digital offers easy to use client software (Windows-based only) that let's you set-up your back-ups automatically. You can tell it what to back-up and when to do it (individual files, folders or the whole disk drive). You can change these parameters, including file version retention. Connected adds to this basic "ease of use" functionality with a an "automatic file selection" feature that selects My Documents/Quicken/Quickbooks as default folders to be backed-up. Nice for the new user or less technically oriented. Cost - $$$$ Iron Mountain Digital offers a number of backup plans based on size and file type(s) that you need to backup.
Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹ Once you set-up this automated service, it runs by itself and you won't have to worry about making sure you've remembered to back-up your files. And, if you're on the road and something "bad" happens, you'll have access to your data quickly and securely. Ease of Use - @@@@ The Connected software from Iron Mountain Digital is straightforward to install, implement and use. Works With - YYY The Connected client is designed for the Windows environment only. Support - ppp1/2 The tech support area on the Iron Mountain Digital web site includes a FAQ and software downloads. If you need more help, you can email support or call them (charge of $1.95 per minute) on their "800" number, Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 9 PM Eastern. Features - iii1/2 The Iron Mountain Digital service offers the features and functions one would expect in an online back-up service - client, automation and storage options, plus, for the "new user" pre-configured folder selection - My Documents, Quicken/Quickbooks. You can manually select and de-select files as well. Overall Rating - %%%% Iron Mountain Digital offers a good service at a competitive price. If you're in the market, it might be worth you're while to take them up on their 30 day free trial. You'll only pay extra $$'s if you need telephone technical support ($1.95 per minute).
Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹ National Backup offers easy to use client software (Windows-based only) that let's you set-up your back-ups automatically. You can tell it what to back-up and when to do it (individual files, folders or the whole disk drive). You can change these parameters, including file version retention. Cost - $$$ National Backup's plans are based on number of PCs and storage utilized.
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