Some providers only offer email or “web” support. Others don’t offer phone support beyond a certain level of expenditure. The better providers offer web, phone and email support and remote dial in support. It is easy to see why remote dial in support is best – an expert is at hand to ensure best possible configuration / trouble shooting.

Make sure you find out whether support costs extra or is included. Some providers do charge extra which can be a way of showing an artificial storage price – support is recommended for all users otherwise your service may be compromised and peace of mind disturbed.

Finally as users are charged for amount of data they are backing up, it is very useful to know how much space you have on server. Providers will automatically move users to next charging level so keeping in contact with amount of data stored at will helps users manage their accounts. Does provider you’re considering offer this facility?

Contract – how long are you tied in for? As with all subscription based services, users will either be tied in for a minimum period or will be able to cancel with one months notice. Not much more to be said than make sure you have read small print and understand terms and conditions.

If you are not happy with service or your situation changes do you really want to be tied in for 12 months?

Incremental backup This feature is also essential and most providers offer it. However, not all providers offer latest Fast Binary Incremental Technology (FastBIT) for incremental backup. Using FastBIT will ensure you receive a highly efficient service rather than a clunky inaccurate operation.

Being able to configure how FastBIT incremental backup operates is also highly desirable. Flexibility is key for tailoring service to your requirements.

Retrieving Several File Histories This feature really separates professional from low end services – ability to retrieve a file from a previous backup session which you no longer have on your PC/laptop/server.

For example, suppose you create a file called “joe.doc” and save it on day 1. You then make changes on day 2, day 3 and day 4 – each time saving file under its original name. A professional service offering multiple file history retrieval will enable users to recovery copies of joe.doc as saved on day 1, day 2 up to and including day 4. As a large amount of data is deleted accidentally or corrupted by viruses etc this feature is extremely useful for ensuring maximum protection and minimum disruption.

Do be careful of providers who store file histories for long periods in order to charge more for storage. Each file history takes up a finite amount of storage – more you store more storage used, more you pay. Fourteen days is a good compromise. A good provider will enable this figure to be tailored to individual needs.

Web Based Restore This feature allows users to restore their data from any computer connected to internet in world. It has proved to be very popular for travellers and those who work from home or various different offices.

Web based restore works by downloading users data after correct entry of username and password. It’s that simple. A group of users or a department can share an account and hold common files in one place with common access.

Others have used web based restore to transfer data from one place to another without copying onto more risky media such as CD/DVD/etc.

Some providers don’t offer web based restore at all while other charge extra. Make sure you know what you are / aren’t getting at outset and any additional costs for web based restore.

Encryption Encryption is performed on all your data before it leaves your PC/server/laptop. Encryption is pretty standard although some services don’t offer highest level of encryption at 448 bits.

Back Office Storage Centre You won’t normally get to see back office but you should ask where it is and be confident that physical security as well as multiple storage industry standard disks are being used. The chances are that back office is an order of magnitude less likely to suffer loss than your own PC/laptop/server.

Also ensure that size of data link into server isn’t going to be a bottle neck. This shouldn't be an issue but it is always worth checking.

An acceptable back office will be equipped with uninterruptible power supplies and environmental control mechanisms such as temperature and humidity etc.

CD / DVD Archiving Archiving is an additional service which enables CD / DVD copies of your data to be mailed to you. Many users who have web based restore don’t need to use CD / DVD archiving or they can produce CD/DVD themselves. This service is normally always an additional cost – around £15 - £20 for first CD. Subsequent CDs should be a few pounds less.

Hope this comprehensive article is of use. Whilst “good value” and “bad value” services always exist, in end you’ll probably get what you pay for. The purpose of online data backup is to offer a higher level of security for your data than traditional CD/DVD/Tapes/etc – without which you, your business or your customers might suffer. This article aims to ensure you are a little more aware of what to look for if and when choosing such a service. Feel free to contact me if you have any more questions.

Best wishes,

Olu Odeniyi

www.newprospect-bs.com

Olu Odeniyi is a business leader and strategist who has gained acute technical and commercial experience working with blue chips and smaller companies. Having exceeded objectives working for companies such as British Aerospace and Nortel Networks, Olu has consistently demonstrated his tenacity for achieving results in applying technology to real world problems.

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