Review Of Backblaze Online Backup Solution
Overview and History
BackBlaze offer only one package which provides unlimited storage for only $5 per month or 50 dollars per year. Their solution to online backups is fairly unusual since they presume most people need to backup all your personal information - documents, music, pictures, videos, etc. - thus you will need to remove data you do not want backed up. The program offers support for 11 languages and file restores can be delivered via web or for a charge can be sent to you on DVDs or a USB drive.
Security
BackBlaze security is excellent. They use double encryption methods involving 128bit AES encryption and a private key to safeguard your data is completely secure.
Physically, BackBlaze's data center is located in 365 Main Datacenter where they share space with Sun Micro, CNet and Esurance amongst others.
For more info. about their 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
At first BackBlaze uses continuous backup to guarentee all alterations to your data are immediately archived. You can in addition enable scheduling or manually start backups whenever you would like.
Active files can be archived, 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 done from the internet portal and can be delivered 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 a lot of data, they will send you a portable drive and charge you $189.
These options seem a bit steep however most Online Backup Providers do not even offer these options.
Control and Analysis
A central control panel is provided on the internet site which allows management of multiple accounts. Within the client program you can see details of files waiting to be archived as well as overview graphs of what has already been archived.
Interface
The internet and desktop interfaces are clear and straightforward. Information is offered in a clear and concise way and there are a reasonable amount of options without being overloaded.
Device Support
Current BackBlaze supports MAC and PC platforms only.
Limitations
None.
File Sharing and Collaboration
None.
Synchronization
With online portal but not between devices.
Web 2.0 Integration
None.
Customer Support
There is no interactive support, e.g., telephone or live chat. However, there is email support which is quickly responded to and the tech. support staff are friendly and well-informed. 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 15 days, so you have lots of time to evaluate the service before committing your whole $5 per month!
Ease of Use
BackBlaze is really simple to use, if you leave it at the default settings, BackBlaze will backup all non-system files from all your local drives automatically. If you need to amend things then the options screens are well laid out and straightforward to navigate.
Cost
Initial setup - free
Monthly Amount - $5 / mth / device
Yearly Fee - $50 / year / device
Initial permitted 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
BackBlaze is quick to setup and use. The experience of configuring BackBlaze was similar to jumping on a excited horse: The issue is not getting started; the problem is trying to keep up! After BackBlaze is installed it immediately scans your locally connected drives, finds your personal information such as documents, pictures, music, etc. and immediately starts to back them up for you. It's comparable to having your very own over-eager Jeannie desperate to get the job done.
The pricing is really cheap and while there are a lot of customer support options not provided, the available support is very good and their technical staff are helpful and friendly.
If you are looking for a easy to use online backup solution at a fixed price then BackBlaze is well worth considering.
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