[Hidden-tech] Best online backup

[RA Cohen]

Great discussion and exploration of this topic now I can weigh in with 
my 2 cents:

Two issues here (well, really four):

1. Volume of data versus your internet connection - with many popular 
plans uploads top out at 1 mbps, will take a very long time to do the 
first backup. And how do you know if it is a GOOD backup? If there is a 
verify option will also take a long while.

2. Proprietary/confidential information: don't believe everything in the 
cloud hype. Read the fine print of the vendors' offering - there are no 
guarantees about anything.

3. Timely access to data: unfortunately restoration of data is never 
pretty, it always comes at inopportune moments - probably the one time 
this year the Amazon cloud catches cold or gets a hiccup.

4. Stability of company: While no one right now is concerned with Amazon 
or Microsoft or any of the big guys going down, with smaller outfits 
that re-sell the service that is always a possiblity. Then what? Where 
is your data? Can you get at it now?

There are also issues concerning maximum file sizes, compliance, and 
many others. In short, if your data and time are at all valuable (and 
possibly confidential) you really need to consider all the options 
(including taking responsibility for your own on-site backups).  That 
said, for non-mission-critical storage of non-sensitive data fine put it 
in the cloud (really another term for "someone else's 
computer/storage/server"). All other data should have your own watchful 
eye on it at all times, at least IMHO.

-Roy
-- 

Roy A Cohen
Network Advantage LLC
www.net-vantage.com
413.223.9007
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