Online Backup Services - Are They All the Same?

You have finally taken the decision to use an online backup service. So what next? There are quite a number of services out there. Are they all alike? Do you pick one with a pin?

Well no, they are not all alike by any means. They differ on quite a number of important points.

• An online data storage system can be software based, or web based. If it's a software-based system, you download the software and install it on your computer. Then you can administer your backup by connecting to the server of the backup service. With the web-based option, you can access your files from any computer by going to the web site of the backup service and using your unique ID. Some people like the software option because it puts you more in control. However if your computer is down, it is much easier to access your files with the web-based service and this is the one more people choose.
• Not all online backup services encrypt your data before storing it. Unfortunately, some companies will access your stored data and use it for marketing purposes. And of course, if your data isn't encrypted, you have very little control over who has access to it. More and more companies are becoming aware that customers need to ensure the privacy and security of their data. These services will encrypt your files using an encryption key provided by yourself - i.e. a password - so it can only be decrypted by yourself or somebody authorized by you. It can't be accessed by anybody else including the backup service itself. If this matters to you, you need to check this before you finalize your purchase.
• Online backup services also differ in terms of the ease and speed of recovery of your files. It is quite common for people who use some services to experience delay and difficulty when trying to retrieve their files. Some providers send the data to a third party for storage and you have to wait till they can retrieve it from this source, before it can be sent to you. Sometimes, too, people find some of the files have been corrupted when they get them back. Different providers have different ways of storing your data, and if this information isn't given on their websites, you are quite entitled to ask them. If you sign up for a service, you can use the free trial period to try to retrieve some files and see how easy it is.

Online backup services can be very different in all sorts of ways, but it can be difficult to compare them - obviously you can only have direct experience of one company. Before choosing a service, you should make a list of what factors are important to you, and then find out as much as possible about each company before making your choice.

Find out more about online backup and sleep more soundly at night! Article from Elaine Berry, the owner of Bizwrite.