BackBlaze offer just the one option which allows unlimited storage for only $5 per month or $50 per year. Their solution to online archiving is slightly unusual because they presume
there clients need to backup all your personal files - documents, music, pictures, videos, etc. - so you will need to exclude data you do not want backed up. The interface provides support for 11 languages and file restores can be delivered from the internet or for a one off payment can be delivered to you on DVDs or a USB drive.
Feature Set
Security
BackBlaze security is something they are very proud of. They use double encryption systems involving 128bit AES encryption and a private key to gaurantee your data is truly secure. Physically, the data center is in 365 Main Datacenter where they share space with such companies as Sun Micro, CNet and Esurance amongst others.
Archive Features
By default BackBlaze uses continuous backup to make sure all amendments to your files are immediately archived. You can in addition setup scheduling or manually start backups whenever you would like. Open files can be backed up, yet server databases such as SQL server or Exchange Server are not supported. You can archive external 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 provided in 3 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 a lot of data, they will send you a USB drive and charge you $189. These options seem a bit steep however most Online Backup Providers do not even give you these options.
Control and Analysis
A central control panel is available on the internet site which allows 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 client interfaces are clear 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 web site but not between devices.
Web 2.0 Integration
None.
Customer Support
There is no 'live support', i.e., phone or live chat. But there is email support which is promptly replied to and the technical support guys are friendly and well-informed. 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 2 weeks, so you have loads of time to consider the service before committing your whole five dollars per month!
Ease of Use
BackBlaze is really straightforward to use, if you leave it at the default settings, BackBlaze will backup all non-system files from all your attached drives automatically. If you need to alter things then the options screens are well laid out and simple to navigate.
Cost
Initial setup - free Monthly Fee - $5 / mth / device Annual Charge - $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
You can be up and running with BackBlaze in under 5 minutes. The experience of configuring BackBlaze was similar to jumping on a frisky horse: The problem is not getting started; the problem is trying to keep up! When BackBlaze is installed it immediately scans your locally connected drives, finds your personal data such as documents, pictures, music, etc. and promptly starts 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 quite a lot of customer support options not provided, the available support is very well done 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.
By Stephen M McGovern
