4 Excellent Cloud-Based Backup Solutions

For many, the process of backing up computer data can prove to be an intimidating task, if done at all. Oftentimes it isn’t until after the fact, when a hard drive fails or a laptop gets a bath from spilled coffee that one realizes the importance of having a “plan B” in place. Done properly, backing up data requires a functioning, attached external storage device with adequate space and using trustworthy backup software that does its job and does it right, consistently.

As more of the content and services that we access day-to-day resides out there on the internet, or in “the cloud”, it makes sense that we take advantage of backing up our computer’s data using cloud-based services. Online data backup has evolved into a fast, secure and always accessible means of storing data while providing peace of mind and a seamless method for securing our important files. There are a number top-notch, trusted online services that offer free and inexpensive data backup plans and that list is growing. Here are four that receive consistently good reviews and praise from their users and industry analysts:

Mozy Backup (http://mozy.com) – Mozy has been providing data backup services since 2005. Both personal users and businesses have trusted Mozy for its reliable, always on backup solutions. Mozy offers a free backup plan that has a 2 gigabyte limit. For many people this is more than adequate for storing important files and documents. Simply signup for a free account and install the Mozy software on your computer. Mozy will monitor the most commonly used storage folders on the computer (others can be added as well) and as changes are made to the content of these folders, Mozy will backup these changes. All of the data that is sent to Mozy’s servers is encrypted. As long as your computer is connected to the internet, Mozy can do its job. In the event of data loss on the computer, Mozy will restore whole data sets, or individual files with one mouse-click. (Windows, Mac)

SugarSync (https://www.sugarsync.com) – SugarSync shares many of the features as Mozy and tosses in a few more that some users will find helpful. SugarSync’s free plan starts with a 5 gigabyte storage limit. Again, this will be plenty of storage for backing up documents and data files. Whereas Mozy backs up data at specific time intervals throughout the day, SugarSync backs up data in real time when changes are made to the folders that it monitors. This feature could more accurately be described as data syncing rather than data backup, though both accomplish the same task. Another great feature of SugarSync is its ability to sync data across computers. Install SugarSync on both your laptop and desktop computers and link them to the same account. Add or modify a file on one computer, and this change will sync to the other. Digital nomads will find this useful. For the uber-mobile, SugarSync offers a free app for the iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry and other handheld devices. (Windows, Mac, mobile platforms).

Crashplan (http://www.crashplan.com) – Crashplan has devised a unique solution for offering online backup to its users. In addition to a fee-based backup service to its own secure servers, Crashplan offers the ability to backup to any network or internet-based location free of charge. Install Crashplan on multiple computer in different locations and then choose your own backup source and destination. Backup from office to home, home to Aunt Martha’s computer, Aunt Martha’s computer to your external hard drive. As long as each location is connected to the internet, all of the encrypted backup data is routed through Crashplan’s servers to its destination. This online solution may be the ticket for those wanting off-site backup while keeping physical control of where the data is being stored. (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Dropbox (https://www.dropbox.com) – Dropbox has become the go-to solution for many computer users seeking a simple, straightforward backup and syncing tool. In fact many other software applications are incorporating Dropbox into their syncing and storage features because of its flexibility and ease of use. The free Dropbox plan starts with a 2 gigabyte storage limit. Once installed on the computer, Dropbox creates a folder that looks and feels like your other folders. However, unlike the other folders, any content placed in the Dropbox folder is instantly and securely synced to your Dropbox account online. if you have multiple computers, install and link your Dropbox account on each. Now, any content added on any computer is automatically synced to the Dropbox folder on all of the computers. Again, great for digital nomads and those requiring access to data from multiple locations. Dropbox also offers its free mobile platform application for added ease of access. (Windows, Mac, Linux, mobile platforms)

Each backup solution has its strengths. If your backup needs include large photo and/or music libraries, you’ll most likely want to choose from the fee-based storage plans offered by each of these backup providers. If you have any questions about getting started with an online backup plan, give Rogue Valley Computing a call at (541) 944-5819.