Sunday, May 29, 2011

Having a online Backup Service

Users of a computer system need a backup to store their computer files. There are many companies offering an online backup service, where the backup system is build around the client’s software program which runs on a fixed schedule during the night, when you are not using the computer. The software helps to collect, compress and then encrypt the data of the computer and transfers it to the backup service provider’s server. You can avail of the different features available, where there is a choice of service levels and the kinds of encryption you require, targeting different market segments.

Some backup services offer a continuous backup which provides continuous data protection while others do it on a predefined schedule. But most of the services usually offer a schedule based backup which are predetermined. Very large financial institutions may be in need of continuous data backups. Some of the backup service companies also have features that allow the user to restore the files by themselves. In this case, they don’t need the help of the service provider and the user can select the file or folder that he wishes to retrieve by means of the file name, dates, and file type or by tags.

You can also opt for an online backup service that allows you to access the backed up files through your web browser. The cost of the backup service depends on a lot of factors, such as the total amount of data that is being backed up, the number of computers being covered, the number of versions of the file, the data retention options and whether you opt for the managed backup or un-managed backups. The features provided as well as the level of service will also affect the cost.

Many of the services will provide you with add-on features like plug-ins with an extra charge, whereas some of them have such services built-in. The amount of data that is sent over or transferred is usually reduced by backing up only changed files. This reduces the total stored data and the same file data is not stored again and again with just a few bits of change.

There are many advantages of resorting to such an online backup service, as the data is firstly stored in a different location from the original data. Moreover, you don’t have the hassles of changing tapes and labeling the various CDs or performing any other manual steps, as the backups are automatic. Those who are really serious about the protection of their files will surely go in for such an online backup service.