Online Backup: How To Choose The Right One?

Posted in Featured Article on Jul 25th, 2011 |

If you are a business owner, chances are you have loads of data needed to be secured, especially if your business is on a large-scale level. It is a common knowledge that data are not safely stored in your computer. Viruses and glitches are so rampant that one mighty blow can wipe out your entire system, all data included. Even partitioned computer hard-disks should not be deemed safe.

Because of this, many people consider backing up their files. Some people do it by purchasing external hard drives. However, such device is still prone to viruses since it can be plugged on any computer through the USB. Also, it can be quite a hassle to manually transfer large files every once in a while.

In such a case, a very good option for backing up files is an online backup service— also known as remote or managed backup service. Many companies provide this service with differing sets and features. Basically, the program works by gathering, compressing, encrypting, and transferring the files to the service provider’s remote backup server or off site hardware.

(Aside: Note that online backup service is not the same as web hosting service. Yes, both service provides offer storage features in their services but they are just different. This blogpost focuses solely on Online Backup Services; in case you are looking for web hosting deals instead, check out our web hosting reviews.)

Aside from being remote and safe from viruses or anomalies that may hit your computer, an online backup service has other advantages. It is an automatic process and does not require you to manually transfer the files and wait for the process to finish. Your data will be backed up daily and automatically. The backing up process is usually done at night when the computer is idle. Likewise, the program backs up the correct files. The program backs up any changes or added data to your files and may store them in different versions. Since the files are encrypted, there is no need to worry about security. Also, most companies offer unlimited storage.

Deciding Factors For Online Backup Services

So, if you have decided to get an online backup service, you are off to a good start. However, there are other things that you should consider such as your budget and the features that you will get.

Cost

The cost of the service may vary from one company to another. Most of the time, the pricing is dependent on the functions and features of the service. It may depend on the amount of data that has to be backed up, the number of machines that have to be covered, the number of versions that have to be kept for every file, and if the backup is managed or not.

High-end system vs. free trial

For starters, you may choose between a high-end backup system— which may offer features including client remote control, active directory, or open file backups and is LAN-based— or a free trial service. Some online backup service providers offer a free trial backup service, of course with fewer features and support. If you want your data to be secured and well-maintained, it is best to get a premium service.

Managed vs. Unmanaged

You may choose between a managed or unmanaged online backup. Evidently, a managed online backup is more advantageous— you will get support in organizing the initial back up, get help in restoring and recovering data, and the back up process will be monitored continuously— but comes at a price.

Common Features

These are the common features of an online backup service. You have to make sure that the service you are availing of has most of these important and basic features. You must also know the function of each of these features to determine which ones you really need.

Scheduled or continuous backup

The service should back up your data regularly by following a predefined schedule that you have set or continuously back up your data. The latter is preferred by big businesses and financial institutions but can be costly and may decrease system performance and resources.

Encryption

To keep your data secured, you should take note of encryption. Make sure that your data are encrypted before they are sent through the internet. Likewise, they should be stored in their encrypted form. The encryption of your data should be a minimum of 256 bits and you must have the choice to use your own encryption key which must never be sent over to the server.

File restoration

You must be able to restore your file on your own, whenever you need to, without the intervention of the service provider.

Bandwidth

You may be able to choose the amount of bandwidth used for backing up your data to ensure that the back up process will not affect the other systems that make use of bandwidth. In some services, it is viable to set changes on the amount of bandwidth used at different times of day.

Compression

Data compression is necessary to minimize bandwidth use. It is essential that this process will not cause any loss of data. A service with differential data compression is more preferable since in the next scheduled backup transfer, instead of transferring the entire files, it only transfers the data that has been changed after the previous backup. Thus, it reduces network traffic.

A Quick Comparison On Top Providers

Wikipedia hosts a great comparion list for online backup service providers but in case you are lazy to click and read another long page, here’s our quick review on the top players.

Online Backup Service	Std. Price	Trial Account
Carbonite	$54.95/year	15 day trial
CrashPlan	$49.99/yr	30 day free trial
IDrive	$99.50/year	5GB free account
Jungle Disk	$3/month (+ storage fees)	–
KineticD	$2/GB	14 day trial
MiMedia	$99/year	30 day trial
MozyHome	$4.95/mo	2GB free account
Nomadesk	$50/year	30 day free trial