Review Of Acronis Online Backup Solution
Overview and History
Acronis have been around since 2001. Originally they concentrated on drive partitioning software, then widened this into the backup and disaster recovery fields and now encompass the whole category of computer protection. Their best selling program: Acronis True Image is intended to archive hard drives, network drives and external media. In 2010 they produced Acronis Backup and Recovery 10 for large business clients.
The Acronis Online backup solution became available to the public in 2010 and can be setup as a standalone application or as part of the Acronis True Image Suite. This is Acronis' first try at the online storage world and is a very big step in keeping your data secure.
Feature Set
Security
Security is high grade: information is protected with 256 AES encryption both during transfer and when help in their data centers. You can pick an encryption password which keeps your data even more secure however if you forget the encryption key you will lose all the information you have archived. So be sure to use one you can remember!
Backup Features
Acronis Online Backup is a no nonsense backup scheduling utility. After you have downloaded and run the client utility, simply choose the information you need to archive and then either set a schedule for the data to be backed up or use the 'Back Up Now' button. The client is able to back up open / in use files yet seems not to use 'block level incremental backups' which means that complete files are backed up not just the sections of the files that have been amended. The consequence of this is that backups are slower than some other Online Backup providers.
File versioning is supported and an unlimited amount of editiond can be held for up to 45 days. It is possible to set a specific amount of editions to retain.
Restore Features
Restores can be carried out from either the client software or from the web portal. In either case, you have the option to select which version of a file you wish to retrieve. When selected, the file is returned to you as a zip (compressed) file that can be saved anywhere you wish.
If you have saved files more than once in a day, then a scrollbar at the bottom of the client and online portal interfaces show the times of each successful backup and allows you to choose these times to restore files from that specific backup.
Control and Analysis
If you use Acronis Online Backup in conjunction with another Acronis Product such as Acronis True Image then Online Backup seamlessly combines with the parent product and you have access to all the reporting, logging and controls from the parent program. If you use Acronis Online Backup as a standalone product, then you get no reporting or logging.
Processor throttling can be set to Low, Medium or High and internet usage can be set to any limit you like. Proxy servers are also supported. Backup alerts can be sent to multiple email addresses and you can set up the client to perform pre- and post operations, this can be very convenient if for example you wishwould like to backup a database to the local drive to allow it to be included in the online backup.
Interface
The client interface on the standalone version is very straightforward and displays how much of your storage allowance you have used on each of up to 5 machines at a glance. It also displays when the next scheduled backup is due. The internet portal interface is almost identical to the client interface lacking only the backup options.
Device Support
Currently only supports Windows client operating systems.
Limitations
No support for MAC, mobile devices or server platforms.
No way to extend past the 250Gb allowance.
No way to add more than 5 PCs to an account.
File Sharing and Collaboration
None.
Synchronization
Synchronization to the web portal but not between PCs.
Web 2.0 Integration
None.
Customer Support
Customer Support options include:
LiveChat
Knowledgebase
Forums
Email a question from a internet form
Self-help: User Guides, FAQs, Demo, Tutorials and Testimonials
Phone support can be aquired on a per incident basic for $11.84.
Ease of Use
The client is easy to setup and very easy to use. The interface makes managing up to 5 PCs very easy and displays an instant overview of how much information has been archived for each PC and how much you have available. The interface is clean and clear with no learning curve required to get up and running.
Cost
Initial setup is free
Monthly Cost: $3.95 / mth
Yearly Fee: $39.95 / year
Initial allowed storage: 250Gb
Number of PCs allowed: Up to 5 PCs can share the 250Gb allowance.
Cost of additional storage: n/a
Cost of extra devices / PCs / users: n/a
E-billing facility: Yes
Free Edition / Free Trial: There is a 60 day free trial which provides 2Gb of backup space.
Hidden costs: Telephone support can be purchased on a per incident basis for $11.84.
Conclusion
This is Acronis' first shot at an web backup solution and in my opinion they have done rather well. The point that the service can be either standalone or integrated into the existing client software is a great touch and gives flexibility for users. There are a some things missing from the standalone version, such as reporting and centralized admin of all PCs within one account. But these will probably become available in time.
The only plan gives a generous 250Gb of storage for a very reasonable cost and the client can be setup to utilize as much or as little resource and bandwidth as you want. The interface is clear and straightforward to use and restores are quick and reliable.
To sum up Acronis have created a solid, simple and very reliable online backup solution at a great price which is underpinned by the Acronis name: A global leader in backup technology. A great option from a great name.
If you want even more peace of mind, then buy one of their suite programs, such as Acronis True Image Home and get total computer protection.
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