Typical features
- Open File Backup is the ability to back up open files out of the box. Some online backup software such as the GBData online backup service can handle open files such as an outlook file or a database file. Most online backup products need an add-on for this. Higher-end products support this natively.
- Multi-platform allows the remote backup service to back up multiple platforms such as the various flavours of Windows, Apple, Linux, Unix, and Solaris. Many newer entrants only back up online Windows XP, for example.
- Multi-Computer allows the online backup software to be installed on many computers within one organisation, including servers, desktops and laptops, based both at the main premises and off site locations. and one scheme. IT managers and owners can therefore have one robust remote backup backup strategy for all of the PC’s under their care, with little of no day to day maintenance.
- Multi-site describes a tool’s capability to back up online the primary site data plus remote offices and branch offices in a relatively seamless manner.
- Online Access to files describes how you access your files from anywhere in a secure fashion. Many tools do not provide this type of functionality.
- Binary Compression is a method to transfer the binary data that has changed from one day to the next. The more serious tools use this method rather than transfer your entire file. Tools originally designed for network backup use this method.
Advantages of remote backup or online backup services such as GBData
Remote backup has advantages over traditional backup methods:
- Remote backup does not require user intervention. The user does not have to change tapes, label CDs or perform other manual steps.
- Remote backups do not rely on media such as tapes, that typically have a life of about a year
- Remote backup maintains data offsite. Perhaps the most important aspect of backing up is that backups are stored in a different location from the original data. Traditional backup requires manually taking the backup media offsite.
- Most remote backup services will maintain a list of versions of your files, so that you can role back a spreadsheet for example to a few days ago, before you made an error and accidentally deleted a sheet.
- Many computers can be covered under the one scheme, rather than just protecting the server.
- The software can typically backup open files, and software files such as Microsoft Exchange down to individual email level if required.
- The software can additionally make a local copy of the the backup software as well, providing the best of both Worlds; removing the problem of requiring a backup when the internet is down.
