Online Backup, Online Data Backup

Online backup service provides users with an online system for backing up and storing computer files. Online backup systems are usually built around a client software program that runs on a schedule, as a rule once a day. This program gathers, compresses, encrypts, and transfers the data to the distant backup service provider's servers.

Online Data Backup Services

Online backup services prices are usually based on the following criteria:

• The total amount of data being backed up.
• The number of computers covered by the backup service.
• The maximum number of versions of each file that are kept.

As a rule, vendors limit the amount of versions of a file that can be kept in the system. Some services skip over this restriction and provide an unlimited amount of versions. Additional features, such as the ability to back up currently open or locked files, are usually extra charged, but some services provide these features included.

Online backup has pluses over traditional backup methods:

• Online backup does not require user involvement, so the user doesn’t need to change tapes, label CDs or complete other manual options.
• Probably the most critical aspect of backing up is that backups are stored in a different location from the original data. Online backup maintains data offsite. Traditional backup requires taking the backup media offsite by yourself.
• Some online backup services will work constantly, backing up files as they are changed.
• Most online backup services will keep a list of versions of your files.

Still, online backup has some disadvantages. Depending on the available network bandwidth, the restoration of data can be time-consuming. Since data is stored offsite, it must be recovered either via the Internet or via tape or disk shipped from the online backup service provider. There is a possibility that an online backup service provider could go out of business or be purchased, which may influence the accessibility of your data or the cost of using the service.

We hope that our information will help you find the right data backup solution. Browse our website for more articles on various issues related to data backup and recovery and be sure that you are getting the most useful and up-to-date information.