Backup, as the term suggests, is a plan or something kept in reserve to replace the original in the event it becomes unusable. In computing language, it refers to a copy or duplicate version of a computer file or data we use to retrieve lost information or files from in case of system foul-up.

Traditionally, we do our backups using CDs, DVDs, tapes, hardwares _ External hard drives … USB-supported devices that became popular for ease of use and portability. However, constant wear make these methods, over time, costly to maintain. Likewise, security and reliability issues have caused some to switch to other methods. The newest alternative that is becoming increasingly popular with computer-users today is ‘online backup’.

Online Backup is a service done via a secure high-speed internet connection. It is enabled by a software installed in your computer programmed to save files for a remote server that is designated to keep, manage, and protect your data backup.

Advantages and Disadvantages

One of its obvious advantages is its ‘accessibility’. As long as there is good internet connection, the user can be anywhere, and can initiate, almost anytime. access to his online files via the provider’s portal or website. Unlike the traditional backup methods, the data files are stored in secure remote locations keeping these files out of harm’s way in the event of unexpected calamities like fire, flood, etc. Another glaring advantage is unlimited storage space. With the right fees, providers are able to make adjustments to accommodate users’ storage or space requirements.

As regards privacy, all online backup services are required by law to comply with specific standards and regulations concerning privacy. File transfers are done via SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encrypted channels using advanced encryption technologies guaranteeing utmost security paralleling or even bettering financial institutions’. To ensure utmost security, backup is encrypted differently, purposely split to enable storage in different remote locations _ a protective security measure preventing complete unauthorized access to files in case of theft or cracks in the encryption codes.

What about the disadvantages? Since this type of service uses internet connection to enable performance, expect data transfer and restoration to be sometimes affected by the network bandwidth capacity. Furthermore, while these providers are held to the strictest and highest privacy standards, those running the service are human beings subject to errors, frailties, etc. so ‘security’ issues can surface unexpectedly. Then there is the matter of the service suddenly closing _ bankruptcies, for example, can cause sudden closure_ causing files to be sometimes even permanently inaccessible. Other potentially scary scenario can happen like losing the encryption password which can lead to lost access to data backup. In well-managed services, this situation, quite possibly, may not happen. Nevertheless, it is a legitimate ‘concern’.

Essential Features to evaluate

Obviously, besides the apparent advantages, there is a need to evaluate different features offered. It has become increasingly difficult to differentiate one service from another but a thoughtful study of features offered will help us decide whom to choose.

Accessibility. How accessible is the service? Files are corrupted or lost at times we least expect to happen and this brings to mind the important question_ Is the service available 24/7/365? How easy or complicated is the ‘recovery process’? Accessibility assumes a different meaning as soon as the challenges associated with the recovery process surface. Why? Most computer users do not have the technical skills required to handle the hassles accompanying file restoration or the recovery process.

Backup Protocol. How does the service handle different files? Outlook files (*.pst) or SQL database files are, in practice, frequently left open while some are mostly kept closed for security-related reasons. In addition, there’s the matter concerning backup for those with several computers _ how does the service handle different situations?

Backup Frequency. Is it fully automated? Scheduled? Alternatively, programmed to do backup in predetermined times? Depending on the users’ needs, this feature can have a differential impact. For instance, businesses handling high-volume transactions and traffic will need real-time backup as opposed to those that do not. Large retailers or corporations may need continuous or real-time backup to keep their backup current.

Platform and File support. Does the provider’s recovery system supports varied platforms. Users switching operating systems may find their backup unusable or useless due to incompatibility issues relative to system or program variances so a service offering multi-platform and file support will prove valuable in this particular situation. In addition, users sometimes need to access files initially created in a different program so a feature enabling this sort of access and data-recovery via another program or software can be timesaving and cost-effective.

Versioning. The service’s ability to document changes made to specific or particular files is another attractive feature. The system chronicles changes by saving the incremental part leaving the original or prior record or version essentially intact. Every time a change is made, the system simply saves it as a new version. It does not delete the prior version nor overwrite it allowing selective data recovery by version.

Storage Length. Often overlooked but definitely critical is the time providers allocate for data recovery. Some services offer infinite length of time allowing you to go back farther to retrieve records at varying stages, times or periods. Others set finite time to enable recovery _ like within 30 days from backup so anything beyond it becomes permanently irretrievable or irrecoverable.

Bandwidth Usage. Some areas preclude heavy bandwidth usage at certain times, so backup has to be timed or scheduled accordingly. This issue is a function of internet connectivity and can be adjusted to optimize backup instances.

Performance. Particularly significant to those using automatic backup is the system’s ability to adjust to various factors affecting users’ use. If the program slows down the computer, the user’s productivity and usage would be negatively impacted. A good backup service should be able to adjust to the users’ needs by monitoring resources in use. In other words, it does not minimize user’s use or become a factor affecting his productivity.

Search Engine. Some recovery systems have internal facilitative search engines that let users run advanced searches enabling them to quickly find and evaluate files for relevancy and usage potential. These engines are programmed to come up with detailed information allowing users to make quick determination whether to restore the file or not.

Cost. Generally, what determines the price or cost are the following factors: the size of the data files to be backed up, sites and machines involved, functionality relating to data retention, features offered and requested, and whether it is managed or not. Sometimes changes in the user’s system's configuration or database structure interfere with the backup process resulting in useless backup. With a managed service, 'Backup Validation' allows_

• technicians to examine where problems occur and to make the required corrections to avoid mishaps that lead to unusable backup; and
• the subscribers-owners to understand the risks in data loss and to proactively plan for such eventuality.

Online backup gained momentum in the US a few years ago. There are currently so many of these services in existence and the list is still growing. As to whose service best suits your backup requirements, the answers lie on whose service you find most responsive to your specifications and needs.

Anyway, If you are Interested in online backup? Check this out ... this service may have the features you need.