Review Of Data Deposit Box Online Backup
Overview and History
The first utility for Data Deposit Box was created by Tim Jewell and Rob Schenkel. In 2002, Tim and Rob partnered with Jamie Brenzel to start Acpana Business Systems Inc. In 2003, they released Data Deposit Box to the public. They are home office in Toronto, Canada and have a USA office in New York.
They offer a single plan which gives simple, low pricing and makes Data Deposit Box very interesting to both individuals and businesses needing a easy, reliable backup solution.
Feature Set
Security
Data Deposit Box have the highest security I have found. Your data is protected with Blowfish 448bit encryption both during transport and when kept on their servers - that equates to bank and military grade protection! On top of that, your data are moved using a special protocol designed specifically for internet archiving.
On top of that you are provided with your own username and password that make a unique encryption key and ensure that no one - not even the administrators at Data Deposit Box - can access your files.
On the physical side, your data is stored in a carrier grade (that's the highest version) data center with redundant equipment at every level, fire suppression systems and 24x7 real guards.
Archiving Features
Data Deposit Box own a patent on their Continuous Backup System which waits for files to be amended, takes out the changes, compresses them , encrypts them and safely transfers them to their data centers. This allows for quicker backups and lets open files such as Outlook to be archived without closing the program first.
File versioning is built-in: By default 3 copies of all files is kept, however this can be amended to a maximum of 28 versions if so required. Yet, each version - which only contains the amendments from the last version - adds towards your storage amount.
When first installed, Data Deposit Box automatically selects several folders in your local profile: My Documents, Desktop, Favorites, and whichever email program you are using. You can easily alter, add or delete folders from the backup list by using the client software.
Restore Features
Restores are very straightforward, just right-click the Data Deposit Box icon in the system tray and select Restore. Then navigate to the folder you need to recover, right-click and select restore.
Previous versions of files can be recovered via the web site.
Control and Analysis
There is a nice function called: 'Backup and Resume': Backups automatically suspend when the keyboard or mouse is used to give more processor speed and internet bandwidth. When the keyboard and mouse have been dorment for a while, the backup resumes from where it left off.
Interface
The client program interface is a bit dated - nearly to the point of retro - and looks very corporate. Yet, it performs well, used few resources and provides you all the information you need.
The web site is a bit prettier yet still looks very corporate. Nevertheless, it does produce a wealth of information and configuration options. There is even a Corporate Administration section where you can manage all the users you wish to use the service.
The reporting section shows exactly what has been archived and when. The My Data area provides a simple tree navigation system to locate any of your archived files along with a search function in case you can't remember where a particular file is hiding.
Device Support
At the time of writing there is support for MACs and PCs via the client software. Any web enabled device can access the backed up information but these devices are not able to be backed up themselves.
Limitations
The more you archive, the more you have to pay.
File Sharing and Collaboration
Private file sharing is available from the online site and can be enabled on individual files or complete folders. Each share can be given a unique password and this can be emailed out along with a unique URL to give access to the specific files and folders you need shared. There is additionally an web photo album feature that can be shared in the same way. Either way, files can be viewed and downloaded but not changed.
Public file sharing and file collaboration is not available.
Synchronization
Synchronization is only available from the desktop software to the web portal. Not between devices.
Web 2.0 Integration
None.
Customer Support
Phone support is available during business hours. There is a lack of live chat, forum or blog. Yet you can contact support by way of email or by completing the internet form. They seem very keen on self-help and have a detailed knowledgebase / FAQs section. There are also testimonials, tutorials, a demo and webinars available.
There isn't a free edition, but there is a 15 day trial.
Ease of Use
Both the web and client interfaces are straightforward to navigate around and use. Once configured, you really do not notice the client software working apart from the icon in the system tray gently blinking to inform you a backup is underway. There are a lot of options available, however, it is well laid out and looks good - if a bit retro.
Cost
Initial setup: free
Monthly Cost: $2 / Gb / mth
Initial permitted storage amount: unlimited
Cost of additional storage: $2 / Gb / Mth
Cost of additional devices / PCs / users: unlimited
Referral Program: Yes. $10 is credited to your account and the account of the people you refer once they pay their first invoice.
E-billing facility: Yes
Hidden cost: File versions add towards your storage usage, so only set versioning to the amount you actually need.
Conclusion
All-in-all Data Deposit Box is a solid, extremely secure internet archive service. The client's appearance is a little dated however it has that 'built to last' feel which gives the idea that this program will never let you down and will last forever. The backup features are brilliant, although the lack of an ability to schedule backups is a bit hard to get used to. During testing, the first backup of 2Gb of data took a long time: Over 4 hours, however this has to be weighed against the point that there was almost no CPU or bandwidth loss because the client stops whenever you use the PC.
The pricing is good if you have a limited amount of data that needs protecting on several computers. If you have a lot of files then this solution could get quite expensive. Additionally you will want to watch data expansion if you would like to manage costs.
The private sharing and photo album features are nice touches yet it would be good to see this expanded by linking with online document services such as Google Docs and Zoho as well as photo editing services.
As a final summary I would say that Data Deposit Box is a brilliant solution if you have a limited amount of data spread across lots of machines. If you have a lot of data then there are cheaper solutions available.
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