subject: Online Backup And Online Backup Australia [print this page] These backup systems have a definite schedule of activating backup once in a day usually during nights when computers are not under use.
How do they work?
Online Backup system collects, compresses and encrypts targeted data and transfers it to backup service provider"s hardware for storage. Backup service providers use different systems and features of segment specific namely encryption, service levels etc. LAN based backup system offers active directory, open file backup and client remote control. Beta software offers consumer specific online backup. Online backup service providers use the following features;
Encryption: Data is encrypted at 256 bits and stored.
Continuity: Backup service is a continuous process or can on a predefined schedule. Most of them are schedule based.
Restore: Users can restore their data by names of files /folders, by file type, by date and by tags without any assistance from the service provider.
Online access: This service enables users to track files via web browser.
Data compression: This process typically compresses data algorithmically to save bandwidth. Advanced technology methods facilitate transfer of changed binary data without transferring the entire file.
Off line backup: It works along with online backup and as part of it too, to cover backup when network connection is down. Once network connection is restored software automatically updates changes emerging from this off line backup.
Data synchronization: It allows users to keep unchanging library of all files across a battery of computers.
Network of computers: Backup of files across many computers is possible through backup service of network backup.
Online backup of Business users complex data is done through features like centralized management console, bulk restore, Fully managed services, File retention, Redundancy, Seed loading, Regulatory compliance, server backup and versioning.
Cost Para meters:
In general, following functions of the online backup service determine costs involved.
Total amount of data backup
Number of machines
Maximum number of file versions
Data retention period
Service level and features on hand
Some companies restrict number of versions of a file and some have no restriction. Some services charge extra for add on features but some companies have built in facility. Most of the backup service providers resort to reduction data options to reduce total stored data of the customer. They also adopt solutions to transmit only changed data bits by binary backups. These binary data bits save lot of bandwidth otherwise used for transmitting same files again and again.
As it is a common feature to any service, there are advantages and disadvantages of online backup services over traditional backup methods, nevertheless the most important aspect is online backups are stored remotely at a different location from the original data where as traditional backup needs to be done manually to set it offsite.
Conclusion:
Most of the online backup service providers render expert management services without charging extra fee. They include, configuration assistance, monitoring client machines to track actual backups and assistance in backup failures and data recovery.
