Review of BackBlaze Online Backup Service

Overview and History - BackBlaze offer only one edition which gives unlimited storage for five dollars per month or fifty dollars per annum. Their solution to internet archiving is fairly unusual in that they presume most people would like to archive all your personal files - documents, music, pictures, videos, etc. – so you will need to exclude files you do not require archived. The interface offers support for 11 languages and file restores can be delivered from the internet or for a fee can be sent to you on DVDs or a USB drive.

Security - BackBlaze security is very good. They use double encryption procedures linking 128bit AES encryption and a private key to safeguard your data is totally safe.

Physically, BackBlaze’s data center is in 365 Main Datacenter where they share space with Sun Micro, CNet and Esurance amongst others.

For extra details about BackBlaze’s security, see this entry on their blog: http://blog.backblaze.com/2008/11/12/how-to-make-strong-encryption-easy-to-use/

Archive Features - Initially BackBlaze uses continuous backup to make certain all amendments to your files are immediately archived. You can in addition enable scheduling or manually kick off backups whenever you want.

In use files can be backed up, 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 unlimited versions of files.

Restore Features - Restores are executed from the internet site and can be provided in three ways: A zip 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 USB drive and charge you $189.
These options seem a bit steep however most Internet Backup Providers do not even give you these options.

Control and Analysis - A central control panel is provided on the online portal which gives management of multiple accounts. Within the client program you can see details of files waiting to be archived as well as summary graphs of what has already been backed up.

Interface - The online and desktop interfaces are clean and easy to use. Information is provided in a clear and concise way and there are a reasonable number 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 online site but not between computers.

Web 2.0 Integration - None.

Customer Support - There is no interactive support, e.g., telephone or live chat. But there is email support which is rapidly answered and the tech. support staff are friendly and knowledgeable. There is also a Blog full of helpful 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 assess the service before committing your whole $5 per month!

Ease of Use - BackBlaze is really easy to use, if you leave it at the default settings, BackBlaze will backup all your personal files from all your attached drives automatically. If you need to change things then the options screens are well laid out and straightforward to navigate.

Cost
Initial setup - free
Monthly Amount - $5 / mth / device
Annual Amount - $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 excited horse: The issue is not getting started; the problem is trying to keep up! When BackBlaze is installed it rapidly scans your locally connected drives, finds your personal files such as documents, pictures, music, etc. and instantly begins to back them up for you. It's similar to having your very own over-eager Jeannie desperate to get the job done.

The cost is excellent and while there are a lot of customer support options not provided, the available support is very well done and their tech staff are really 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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