Online Backup Features for Data Backup

The higher information capacity of recordable CDs and DVDs has made the floppy disk obsolete due to its low data storage capacity. The newest off site data backup solution, online data backup, will eventually make data storage devices likes CDs and DVDs obsolete.

Off site data backup can involve a data backup plan as simple as keeping copies of one's computer's files in their car, at home, or at the office. While any type of disaster recovery or data recovery plan is better than having no data backup solution at all, the utilization of web backups (online backup) for data clearly point to the future of not only remote data backup, but also of data storage itself.

Online backup holds the greatest capacity for data storage. In fact, online data storage provides infinite information capacity. Also, online backup grants users easy access, given that computers users can access their information from any computer once they have employed the services of an online backup provider. In addition, using online backup means that a computer user does not have to utilize any other data storage devices that have the potential to get lost, destroyed, or easily become unorganized if not maintained consistently.

Most online backup systems center on a software program that runs on a set schedule, backing up data. Usually, the backup is once a day, but it really depends on the user's needs. This software collects, compresses, encrypts, and then transfers the user's data to the online backup service provider's servers.

The data is encrypted to assure computer users that their sensitive and personal data will not be available or accessible by third parties such as those employed by the online backup service providers. The client typically chooses their own encryption key so that when they access their data they are able to decrypt and understand it.

Online data backup, whether used as a disaster recovery or file recovery plan, has several other features any computer user should keep in mind.

One such feature is an opened file program. While many online data backup programs might need an add-on for this particular feature, a computer user may find it useful to keep saved files open while they are working on other programs and files. A computer user might also find it useful to use a multi-platform online backup service so that they can access their data using different version of Windows, Macintosh, and more. Some online backup services offer multi-site backup, which backs up data at the primary site and also at remote offsite data centers. Continuous backup creates a set schedule of continuous data backups to make certain that all data is backed up.

Finally, there are different methods of data compression, data encryption, and different amounts of bandwidth that can be utilized by online back providers. Which method, or, methods, a computer user should employ depends on their needs and what the online backup providers offer as their product.

Regardless of the provider, online data backup holds many advantages over more traditional methods of data storage (CDs and DVDs). There are no manual steps such as a user changing CDs and labeling them. This form of Remote backup is off site data backup, meaning the copied data is stored in a different location from the original. The user does not need to manually take the copied data off site. Some online data backup services work continuously, backing up files as they are changed by the user. The online data backup provider usually maintains lists of versions of their clients' files.

For these reasons and more, online data backup has become the optimal data backup solution.