In preparation for my last article on online backup, I asked some of my peers what online backup tools they preferred; my intent was to compile a list of most favored by local small business IT support professionals. In true tech fashion I got two suggestions: a reference to other lists and a question regarding capabilities. As I reviewed the lists I was well aware that I was looking for options other than iBackup, which I directly resell, and BackupRX, which I like but thought was priced higher than I thought reasonable for my client base. For you, the consumer, it’s more than likely relevant that I note why IT pros support/partner/resell for a particular vendor(s):
- Establishing a secondary source of income is self-evident: It’s simply a good business practice to offer additional value above and beyond IT support.
- Familiarity with utilities that a service provider deploys from site to site simplifies and standardizes the support process: using familiar tools eases installation and support maintenance, thus saving time and costs to the client. Further, this standardization makes troubleshooting more efficient site to site over time.
- The more familiar a vendor becomes with a reseller the better the vendor technical support when needed.
With that in mind, here is the current online backup matrix I give to clients: (Please note entries marked in red are noted to be most popular for home use.)
| Company | Service | Link | Cost: $/Gb/Mo | Contact | Comment |
| Ibackup* | Online Backup and Storage | https://www.ibackup.com/p=briscoe_network_solutions | $9.95/10GB | 1-800-949-355/Reseller | Includes server, PC’s, Linux, Exchange, SQL and Mac’s |
| Carbonite* | Online Backup for Your Small Business | http://www.carbonitepro.com/ | $10/20GB | 1-866-596-7988 | SQL and Exchange? No Mac or Linux support |
| Mozy Pro* | Mozy Home and Business backup | http://mozy.com/pro |
•Desktop Licenses: $3.95 + $0.50/GB •Server Licenses: $6.95 + $0.50/GB |
877.669.9776/Reseller | Includes server, PC’s, Exchange, SQL and Mac’s |
| BackupRx* | Online Backup Manager | http://www.backuprx.com/ | $98/20 GB/Annual | Reseller | Total backup and storage solutions for business offices |
| Intronis* | Online Backup and Recovery | http://www.intronis.com/download/index.php | Reseller | Online/reseller | I’m currently testing |
| Most popular for home computer use | |||||
| * Offer free trial. |
I don’t mean to imply that my list is the best or most exclusive, but merely that these are the products that I will install or set up trials for my customers. There are other lists which you may find more to your liking:
- PC Magazine, “Recommended Online Backup”, http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2288745,00.asp
- Online Backup Deals: Online Backup Comparison, http://www.onlinebackupdeals.com/online-backup-comparison
My take is online backup is a good resource for easy backups, quick file recovery, and disaster recovery. That said, I still like to have physical backups for full or bare metal restores. Take your time, do a little research, and you’ll be sure to find a backup that fits both your needs and your budget.
We’d love for you to review our online backup service. iConfidential.com offers an easy and safe way for you to store, organize and access personal documents, information and files anytime, anywhere online or with your mobile device.