Review of BackBlaze Online Backup Service

Overview and History - BackBlaze have just the one option which gives unlimited storage for five dollars a month or $50 per annum. Their solution to internet archiving is fairly unusual since they suppose there clients would like to save all your personal data - documents, music, pictures, videos, etc. – therefore you have to remove information you do not require archived. The service offers support for 11 languages and file restores can be delivered via web or for a one off payment can be delivered to you on DVDs or a USB drive.

Security - BackBlaze security is very good. They use double encryption procedures linking 128bit AES encryption and your own private key to confirm your data is completely secure.

Physically, their data center is in 365 Main Datacenter where they share space with such companies as Sun Micro, CNet and Esurance amongst others.

For more information about BackBlaze’s security, visit 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 ensure all amendments to your files are immediately backed up. You can in addition setup scheduling or manually run backups whenever you require.

In use files can be backed up, however, server databases such as SQL server or Exchange Server are not supported. You can backup plug-in 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 site and can be delivered in 3 ways: A compressed file directly to any device you wish - 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 additional files, they will send you a plug-in drive and charge you $189.
These options seem rather steep but most Online Backup Providers do not even provide these options.

Control and Analysis - A central control panel is provided on the internet site that provides management of multiple accounts. Within the client program you can see information on files waiting to be backed up as well as summary graphs of what has already been backed up.

Interface - The online and desktop interfaces are clear and easy to use. Information is offered in a clear and concise way and there are a reasonable amount of options without there being a bombardment.

Device Support - Current BackBlaze supports MAC and PC platforms only.

Limitations - None.

File Sharing and Collaboration - None.

Synchronization - With web site but not between computers.

Web 2.0 Integration - None.

Customer Support - There is no interactive support, for example, telephone or live chat. However, there is email support which is promptly responded to and the technical support staff are friendly and knowledgeable. There is also a Blog full of useful information.

For self-help there is some documentation - although the system is so simple that more documentation would be fairly pointless. There is also an FAQ section and the free trial which lasts 15 days, so you have plenty of time to evaluate the service before committing your whole $5 per month!

Ease of Use - BackBlaze is very easy to use, if you leave it at the default settings, then it will backup all your personal information 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 Cost - $5 / mth / device
Yearly Fee - $50 / year / device
Initial allowed 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 setting up BackBlaze was similar to jumping on a frisky horse: The issue is not getting started; the problem is trying to keep up! Once BackBlaze is installed it immediately scans your locally connected drives, locates your personal data such as documents, pictures, music, etc. and instantly 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 very cheap and while there are quite a lot of customer support options not provided, the available support is very good and their technical staff are very helpful and friendly.

If you are looking for a simple online backup solution at a fixed price then BackBlaze is well worth considering.

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