An online backup is a service which allows users to backup and restore computer data over the internet to an external location.
Usually, the user needs to install client software, which allows him to select the data to backup, the frequency of the backup (schedule) and also to restore data from the server when needed. Typically, the client software compresses and encrypts the data before transferring it over the internet to the remote location. Online is often referred to as 'remote backup', 'internet backup', 'offsite backup' or 'IP backup'.
History
The first online backup software providers arised in the late 90s. However, the service became more and more adopted early in the 21st century. An important trend that influenced the rise of the online backup market is the increasing bandwiths. Since online backup services transfer lots of data over the internet, the upload-speed is the bottleneck. 2006 and 2007 showed a tremendous rise in the number of online backup service providers. These years, also Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) entered the market and online backup is often referred to as BaaS (Backup-as-a-Service).
Why using online backup?
Online backup is positioned in the market as 'hassle-free'-backup. The client software makes sure that the backup runs automatically (typically once a day), and status reports are sent by email. The service eliminates any kind of human interaction. Alternatives like burning CDs, DVDs or tapes need to be handles by humans, which is time-intensive and therefore cost-intensive. Online backup saves time, resulting in a lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
Typical features
These features are commonly offered by many online backup providers:
Ease of use
An online backup service needs to be very easy to use. Peaple without any IT knowledge should be able to implement it, configure it and use it. Therefore, an user friendly interface is needed.
Application backup
In order to make an easy backup of frequently used applications, most online backup software contains easy-to-select shortcuts for backing up Outlook, Outlook Express, Favorites and System State.
Versioning
Multiple versions of the backup data can be sent over the internet allowing the user to archive his/her work. The versioning can go back days or even weeks in time.
Data compression
In order to save bandwith, the data is compressed before being transferred over the internet. Most of the online backup solutions have this feature.
Data encryption
Most online backup solutions have an encryption technology in their software. This makes sure that all data is encrypted on the client PC, before being sent over the internet. Commonly used technolgies are Blowfish and AES (128, 256 or 448 bits). This makes online backup services secure.
Incremental data backup
Many online backup software software products has applied data reduction technology to its backup software. This technology leverages the fact that most of the business data is relatively static: once created, the data undergoes only minor daily changes. Many online backup software products therefore detect the changes in the dataset, compares with the previous backup and only backs up the newly created or modified data, incrementally. This can also be done within a file (on block-level), which is extremely convenient for large files (e.g. database files).
This technology further minimizes bandwith traffic.
Additional features
The following features are not critical but are very conveniend when using an online backup service.
Open file backup
The ability to back up files that are extensively opened, such as Outlook files (*.pst) or SQL database files can be useful. Such ability allows IT administrators to run back up jobs any time of the day, not requiring setting aside server maintenance time. Most online backup products need an add-on for this. Higher-end products support this natively.
Multiple platforms
A multi-platform backup service can back up multiple platforms such as the various flavors of Windows, Macintosh, and Linux/UNIX. Many newer entrants in the online backup industry only back up Windows XP and Vista.
Webaccess
Very convenient for the user is the functionality to access and restore data through a normal web browser. This allows the user to access his/her data on any location with internet, without the need to have the client software installed (e.g. internet cafe).
Database backup
Many online backup software solutions contain plug-ins for backing up the most frequently used databases, such as MS Exchange and MS SQL. This makes solutions very convenient for SMB companies, having a Small Business Server (SBS).
Filtering
The possibility to filter-in or filter-out a certain file or type of files. The user can e.g. select to backup his/her whole C:-drive, except for .dll-files or .tmp-files. Or backup his/her C:-drive, but then only the .doc-files and the .xls-files.
Bandwith throttling
This feature allows the user to configure using more or less bandwidth at various times.
Seed-load technology
Very useful, however not many online backup services offer it. This feature allows the initial backup of a large volume of data to a local hard drive, which can be shipped to the remote storage location. This eliminates the first backup over the internet of days or weeks. Subsequent backups will be made incrementally over the internet. This method saves time and bandwidth.
Additionally, in case of a disaster, the backup data can also be restored using a local hard drive. This allows the user to be back-in-business ultra-fast.
Additionally, in case of a disaster, the backup data can also be restored using a local hard drive. This allows the user to be back-in-business ultra-fast.
Users of online backup
Online backup is targeted at many segments.
Consumers
Online backups is very convenient of consumers, for backing up photos, personal files and music files. User friendliness and attractive pricing are key success factors in this segment.
SOHO/SMB
SMB customers are a large target audience, having mission critical data that needs to be backed up. Typically these customers have several PCs or Servers to be backed up. Important success factors in this segment are user friendliness, functionality/features and reliability/standing of the supplier (SMBs tend to backup their data only to trusted companies).
Stong in this segment: BackupAgent, Ahsay.
Large businesses/Enterprise
This segment usually has a few hundreds to tens of thousands of employees, and accompanying laptops. Additionally, enterprises have large files and database servers. Important success factors in this segment: integration with existing platforms, easy deployability and functionality/features.
Strong in this segment: BackupAgent, Connected, Asigra (server-backup).
Industry categorisation
The online backup market contains many providers. This section will explain the different players in the market.
Vendors
Vendors of online backup software are responsible for the manufacturing of the software, and not for providing it to the end-user. Many vendors have an indirect maket approach and select resellers and service providers to supply the software for them to the market. These vendors also allow their software to be branded to the brand of the reseller.
Examples of vendors of online backup software:
Ahsay, Hongkong
Vendor of JAVA-based software, offered to smaller IT-service providers and resellers. Small and attractive priced software packs. Large install base around the globe.
Asigra, Canada
Vendor of software for remote office/branch office online backup/recovery. Specialized in centralized data management and agentless backup. Heavy solution targeted at server backup for Enterprises.
BackupAgent, The Netherlands
Vendor of an online backup solution, targeted at resellers like ISPs/hosting companies/telco's and System Integrators and VARs. Easy to use software containing much functionalities. Especcially usefull for SOHO and SMB backup. Large install base in Europe and growing in USA and Latin America/Asia.
Connected (Iron Mountain), MA, USA
A vendor of software for PC-backup. Targeted to Enterprises for backing up laptops.
Vertically integrated players
Parties who develop their own software and also directly offer it to the market, without resellers or service providers in between. Covering the full chain, from development to delivery and support. Mainly parties who aim at large volumes of users by an attractive pricing proposition.
Examples of vendors of online backup software:
Carbonite, MA, USA
Carbonite is online backup for consumers, attractively prices for unlimited storage.
Mozy, UT, USA
Mozy is an online storage product from Berkeley Data Systems, founded in 2005. Mozy is software for backing up laptops and small servers. The company was acquired by EMC in October 2007.
Service Providers
Typically parties who do not develop the online backup software themselves, but providers using software of a vendor and offer it branded as their own solution to the market.
Anonymous
Invite as author
Good online backup article
An interesting and well researched read.
Sean Brett
UK Online backup specialists.
www.onlinecrypt.com
Anonymous
Invite as author
Good info on online data backup
Good information on online backup services.
Thanks!
Branden
eBackItUp.com
You can checkout eBackItUp.com (www.ebackitup.com) for Online Data Backup. Remote Backup MS SQL backup, Exchange Backup & Open File Backup.
ivanpw
Invite as author
Great info on online backup
With plenty of sites I have, having an online backup system does help. Thanks for this useful knol.
I blog on your knol at Knol Today - http://www.knoltoday
Thanks :)