What Should You Look For In An Online Backup Service?
With the wide array of online backup services available today
A user new to this domain won’t help but feel mesmerized and overwhelmed on what to settle for. However, if only one knew that the capabilities and interfaces of these online backup services vary widely, then choosing one could a lot easier. The common misconception is that all data backup services are the same; is just that- a mere misconception. Online backup utilities are all geared towards an intended audience and this is what primarily determines the various aspects of the backup software. Perhaps a good understanding of the audience targeted by a given service is one way to crack the nut.
Nevertheless, most of the times we won’t need to spend sleepless nights pondering whether or not a given online backup utility is adaptable for you. Simply visit the website of the online backup service in question and read everything carefully. How are their rates per given amount of storage? Are you willing and ready to add their subscriptions to your monthly bill? Does the service have a free trial package?
It is these cost related queries that you should be asking yourself before signing up for any online backup service, they are meant to help you avoid recurring unnecessary or hidden charges that some backup providers are known for. Since you will be investing your money and important files with a given service, the support staff should be available to straighten up any kinks regarding their storage packages.
The interface of an online backup service shouldn’t also be ignored. If a utility will require you to configure your tablet, phone or laptop severally in order for you optimally enjoy their service, then it probably isn’t the best for you. I personally prefer a simple, minimalistic and easy to use dashboard. The better you know your way around your backup software, the less the chances of losing data accidentally. Take advantage of the free trial packages that most online backup companies have to decide whether a given package is suited for you or not.
Additional features that come with the primary backup can also be valuable in sorting out through a mountain of prospective backup servicers. Obviously, if you have in the first place given online backup a thought, you must have also been attracted to an additional feature or two that are attached to this kind of storage. Such include online file sharing, automatic scheduled backup, file versioning etc. Therefore, pay a great deal of attention to other goodies that come with a given backup package. It might be just what you need to get the full value of your money.
Lastly but not least, the security levels that a given storage offers shouldn’t go unnoticed. Data mining is on the rise, and by storing your files on an offsite server, you continually predispose to a myriad of hackers out there. That said, your new backup service provider should have at least a 128 bit SSL encryption encoded on all documents especially during file transfers. It minimizes the chances of a malicious hacker intercepting and accessing your files illegally.