Saturday, August 21, 2010

Review of BackBlaze Online Backup Service

Security - BackBlaze security is something they are very proud of. They use double encryption methods utilizing 128bit AES encryption and your own private key to ensure your information is truly secure.

Physically, BackBlaze’s data center is in 365 Main Datacenter where they share space with such companies as Sun Micro, CNet and Esurance amongst others.

For additional details about BackBlaze’s security, check out this article on their blog: http://blog.backblaze.com/2008/11/12/how-to-make-strong-encryption-easy-to-use/

Backup Features - Initially BackBlaze uses continuous backup to make certain all changes to your files are immediately archived. You can also configure scheduling or manually start backups whenever you require.

In use files can be backed up, yet server databases such as SQL server or Exchange Server are not supported. You can backup USB drives but not network drives. File versioning is available upto 45 days for an number of versions of files.

Restore Features - Restores are executed from the web site and can be provided in three ways: A compressed file straight to any device you want - this is free. The second option is to DVD if you are restoring less than 4Gb of data - this costs you $99. Or if you are restoring more than 4Gb of files, they will send you a plug-in drive and charge you $189.
These options seem rather steep yet most Internet Backup Providers do not even provide these options.

Control and Analysis - A central control panel is provided on the web site which allows management of multiple accounts. Within the client program you can see information on files waiting to be archived as well as overview graphs of what has already been backed up.

Interface - The web and client interfaces are clean and easy to use. Information is offered in a clear and concise way and there are a reasonable number of options without there being a bombardment.

Device Support - Current BackBlaze supports MAC and PC platforms only.

Limitations - None.

File Sharing and Collaboration - None.

Synchronization - With online portal but not between computers.

Web 2.0 Integration - None.

Customer Support - There is no direct support, for example, phone or live chat. But there is email support which is promptly replied to and the technical support staff are friendly and knowledgeable. There is also a Blog filled with useful information.

For do-it-yourself there is some documentation - although the system is so straightforward that more documentation would be fairly pointless. There is also an FAQ section and the free trial which lasts 2 weeks, so you have loads of time to assess the service before committing your whole five dollars per month!

Ease of Use - BackBlaze is very easy to use, if you leave it at the default settings, then it will archive all your personal information from all your local drives automatically. If you need to alter things then the options screens are well laid out and easy to navigate.

Cost
Initial setup - free
Monthly Fee - $5 / mth / device
Annual Amount - $50 / year / device
Initial allowed storage amount - unlimited
Cost of additional storage - n/a
Cost of additional devices / PCs / users - $5 / mth / device
Referral Program - No
E-billing facility - Yes

Conclusion
You can be up and running with BackBlaze in under 5 minutes. The experience of configuring BackBlaze was similar to jumping on a frisky horse: The problem is not getting started; the problem is trying to keep up! Once BackBlaze is installed it instantly scans your locally connected drives, locates your personal information such as documents, pictures, music, etc. and instantly begins to back them up for you. It's similar to having your very own over-eager Jeannie desperate to get the job done.

The pricing is really cheap and while there are quite a lot of customer support options not provided, the available support is very well done and their technical staff are helpful and friendly.

If you are looking for a straightforward online backup solution at a fixed price then BackBlaze is well worth considering.

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