Detailed Review of iDrive Online Backup Solution
Detailed Review of iDrive Online Backup Solution
Review of iDrive Online Backup
Overview and History
iDrive is a product of Pro Softnet Corporation, an ASP and Internet Solutions Provider based in Woodland Hills, CA. From its startup in 1995, Pro Softnet Corp. has been utilizing the power of Information Technology by giving Internet-based solutions and customized Internet Software solutions for lots Fortune 100 corporations. Pro Softnet also produce iBackup which is aimed squarely at the business arena.
Feature Set
Security
The web portal is password protected and secured with 128bit SSL encryption while transferring to and from their servers. When on the servers your information is secured with 256bit AES encryption and there is an ability to set your own private key. Physically, the iDrive utility is managed at data centers in the United States. The world-class facilities are custom designed with raised floors, HVAC temperature control systems with separate cooling zones and seismically braced racks. They give the largest range of physical security features, including state-of-the-art smoke detection and fire suppression systems, motion sensors, 24x7 secured access, video camera surveillance and security breach alarms.
Backup Features
iDrive backs up your information utilizing block level incrementation so just the parts of files that are changed get uploaded. Continuous backup is also used to ensure your information is archived as soon as it changes. Additionally, you can configure backups for specific times if you prefer. Unusually for online backup solutions, both network drives and removable media can be included in the archive set. But open and locked files cannot be archived on network and removable drives. Files and folders can be included to the backup set using right-click on windows PCs and there are status notifications and progress indicators to let you know which files are being backed up and which are still awaiting backup. There is support for up to thirty versions of every file backed up which is great if you need to revert to an earlier version of a document. If you have a lot of information to backup, iDrive provide a 'Rapid Serve' option for a one-off charge of $69.95 + Tax. If you Take advantage of this service, iDrive will deliver to you an external USB hard drive to plug into your machine. You can then duplicate all your important files onto the external drive and send it back to them. They will upload it to your account, reducing the first archive time from weeks to just a couple of days.
Restore Features
Files can be recovered from the local client by right-clicking on the file or directory you need to restore or from the web site by navigating to the file you want restored and picking the version you wish to recover.
Control and Analysis
There is no CPU controls yet there are bandwidth controls. Logging and reporting is available from both the net portal and the client program. Support for socks and https proxy servers is also provided.
Interface
There is a mangement portal in the basic, pro and family versions and a far more extended administration portal in the business edition. Multi-account management is available in the Family and business versions. All packages need the client software.
Device Support
Windows and MAC client PCs as well as server PCs are supported as well as any online enabled devices via the internet portal. There are specific applications for iPhone, Blackberry and Android. There is also a plugin for wordpress to enable you to back up your blog site!
Limitations
The Basic, Pro and Family editions cannot be used commercially. The Basic and Pro editions allow archiving of one device; the family version permits upto five machines per account and the corporate edition allows upto 100 accounts.
File Sharing and Collaboration
iDrive is a backup tool, not a collaboration or file sharing service.
Synchronization
Devices are synched with the online portal but not directly with each other. Synchronization of more than on device is only an option in the Family and business versions.
Web 2.0 Integration
None.
Customer Support
Telephone support is available during working hours only. Live Chat and email support are offered. Self-help is available via user guides, white papers, data sheets, FAQs, testimonials, case studies and a demo. There is no forum but there is a blog. There is no free trial but there is a free version which gives 2Gb of storage.
Ease of Use
The client software takes minutes to download and setup. In less than 5 minutes you can be starting your first backup. Both the web and client interfaces are easy to use and with the windows explorer extension installed you can right-click on a file and either archive it instantly or add it to the scheduled backup. Restores are similarly simple, if there are multiple versions of a file, then you can select any version you want via date stamp. There is also a extremely handy search ability for all backed up files.
Cost
Initial setup cost: free Monthly Cost: Basic - free; Pro - $4.95/mth; Family - $14.95/mth; SME - from $9.95/mth to $49.95/mth
Yearly Cost: Basic - free; Pro - $49.50/yr; Family - $149.50/yr; SME - from $99.50/yr to $499.50/yr
Initial allowed storage amount: Basic - 2Gb; Pro - 150Gb; Family - 500Gb; SME - from 50Gb to 500Gb+
Cost of additional storage: SME - $0.50/gb/mth
Cost of additional devices / PCs / users: n/a
E-billing facility: Yes
Conclusion
If you are looking for a straightforward, no frills online backup solution then iDrive is a great choice. The pricing is good and the family and SME editions have useful and appropriate add-on functions to allow the management of numerous accounts / machines. The interface is simple and uncluttered, the client software is not resource hungry and the encoding of your information both in transit and when on their servers is equivalent to any bank. Space Invaders Online NanaQ online Korean and Japanese Fashion All Kinds Of Traders Tips Before Playing Poker at Online Casinos How to make $3,500+ per month with paid online surveys Attain Your Bachelor's Degree Online Fast What Banckle offers in Online meeting Online Casino Tips: Play and Win Money! How To Make Good Money Online And Earn Financial Freedom Seeking an Online MBA Degrees? Best Way to Earn Money Online in 2010? Become a Website Tester with WebsiteTester.biz Accredited Colleges Offer Many Different Degrees Online Watch Fox News Online Live Free Streaming