Online Backup Service Finder

Online Backup Service Finder

A remote, online, or managed backup service is a service that provides users with a system for backing up and storing computer files. Online backup providers are companies that provide this type of service. Online backup systems are typically built around a client software program that runs on a schedule, typically once a day. This program collects, compresses, encrypts, and transfers the data to the remote backup service provider's servers. Other types of product are also available in the market, such as remote continuous data protection (CDP). Providers of this type of service frequently target specific market segments. High-end LAN-based backup systems may offer services such as near-realtime transaction-level replication or open file backups.

Advantages of remote backup:

Remote backup has advantages over traditional backup methods:

* Backups are stored in a different location from the original data. Traditional backup requires manually taking the backup media offsite.

* Remote backup does not require user intervention. The user does not have to change tapes, label CDs or perform other manual steps.

* Unlimited data retention.

* Some remote backup services will work continuously, backing up files as they are changed.

* Most remote backup services will maintain a list of versions of your files.

* Most remote backup services will use a 128 - 448 bit encryption to send data over unsecured links (ie internet)

* A few remote backup services can reduce backup by only transmitting changed binary data bits

	Carbonite is an online backup service available to both Windows and Mac users that provides unlimited backup space to consumers and small businesses. It is named after carbonite, the substance used to freeze Han Solo in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. More about Carbonite.com here
	Mozy is an online backup service that allows both Windows and Mac users to back up an unlimited amount of data and files to offsite servers. The cloud service allows users to back up data continuously, manually or schedule updates. Originally released as a consumer product for end-users (MozyHome), Mozy later released a remote backup utility for businesses called MozyPro, with additional functionality and an administrative portal. More about Mozy.com here
	Norton Online Backup delivers easy-to-use, automatic backup protection for your files up to 25GB on up to five computers - Automatically backs up your family's digital photos and movies, downloaded music, important documents and more to a secured location. You can quickly recover your data - and your precious memories - in case of hard drive crashes, file system damage or natural disasters. More about Norton Online Backup here
	ElephantDrive is a storage virtualization service used primarily as an online backup tool, but also as a remote access service/collaboration tool. The service runs on both Windows and Mac platforms, and allows users to create simple automated rules for protecting data by moving it into an ElephantDrive account. Find out more about ElephantDrive.com here
	FastMule is a fast online file back up solution. Synchronize and store your data automatically. Fast Mule is secure and encrypted, easy and simple. FastMule will keep your data safe no matter what sort of disaster strikes your local PCs. And automatically synchronize your file to ensure your data is up to date. More about Fastmule here.
	UK based LiveDrive innovative online storage provider, offering unlimited storage space to our customers, simple one click backup, and the ability to access files from anywhere - computer web and mobile. More about LiveDrive.com here.
	SugarSync isn’t merely a back-up solution; you can sync all your files such as Microsoft Office documents, photos, music, and media to all your computers and web-enabled mobile phones, instantly. Store and back-up your files in our secure servers and access them from any web browser, anywhere, anytime. Share files with your friends, family, and colleagues. You can even stream music live. More about SugarSync here