The IT Nerd

I have to admit that I’m of two minds when it comes to online backup services. Here’s why they appeal to me:

• They are effortless: Typically a piece of software does all the work for you automatically. Thus you don’t need to do a thing to backup your computer.
• The data is safely off site: An ideal scenario is that you backup your data and keep it off site so that a physical disaster (fire, theft, etc.) doesn’t cost you your data.
• You can (for the most part) restore your data from anywhere with an Internet connection: This is one consideration for mobile users who travel often.

Now, here’s why I’m not a fan:

• You have to trust your backup provider will be around when you need them: Some backup providers haven’t been around that long. Others have a much longer track record. In either case, if they go out of business you’re screwed.
• These services are bandwidth intensive: In the age of bandwidth caps, you may blow through your cap quickly using one of these services. Not to mention that you need a lot of bandwidth to use one of these services.
• How do you know that your data will stay private?
• How do you know that your data will not go to some foreign country that may be interested in what you’re storing?
• Is the backup provider compliant to standards like HIPAA for example?

Personally, I am the type that would rather be in control and responsible of my backup requirements. That doesn’t mean that these services are ideal for some users whether they are home users or businesses. My advice is to look at your needs and if online backup is right for you, you should carefully research the provider so that you know that you’re going with someone who is reliable, responsible, and will be around when you need them.

This entry was posted on May 12, 2012 at 8:13 pm and is filed under Tips with tags Backup. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.