If you’ve ever suffered computer failure and lost valuable data, photos, videos, or music, then you know the importance of data backup. While you certainly have the option of copying your data to a disk—which is certainly better than no backup at all—a growing number of individuals and businesses are opting to sign-up with an online backup service. These services automatically backup your data using your internet connection, and will continuously save new data as it’s being created.

But, with so many online data backup services now available, how does one know which to choose? Are they all work pretty much the same? Do they all offer the same features?

While no one can say which service is right for you, here is an objective comparison of five of the most popular online backup services currently available.

SugarSync Online Backup

SugarSync is an online service that allows you to store, share, and synchronize your files online. Supporting both Windows and Mac, you can access your files wherever you are, even via mobile devices such as your Smartphone or iPad. SugarSync is easy to use, frees you from needing thumb drives, and also allows you to share files with others—co-workers, family, and friends. Here are their stats:

• Files are safe and sound in off-site storage should you experience computer damage or file loss
• Online cloud service for Windows and Mac that stores and synchronizes files
• Access sync files wherever you have internet access
• Easy to share files with others

Mozy Online Backup

Mozy has both a local and an online backup built-in to their client software, what they call the “2x protect.” This means that if you lose your data, you can most likely recover it from your local HDD backup if it hasn’t already been backed up to the online server. One of the more popular online backup services, this easy to use and data-secure service lets you backup your files through the internet, supports both Windows and Mac, and their “cloud” services allow you to backup data continuously, manually, or on a schedule that you set. Additionally, Mozy has multiple levels of security and redundancy to ensure your files are backed-up and secure on the servers in their data center. Here are their stats:

• Online backup for Windows and Mac
• Backup locally and online
• Files are safe in case of computer damage or loss
• File accessibility from anywhere
• Very secure system

ElephantDrive Online Backup

ElephantDrive is considered one of today’s top options in online backup for more advanced users. Utilizing two types of encryption to securely transfer your data (including 256-bit AES encryption, which is preferred by government agencies), data is transferred into ElephantDrive’s database with little to zero chance of interception.

PC Today calls ElephantDrive “the best product for more advanced users.” With unlimited storage capacity, helpful guide software, impressive free trials, and flexible deals, ElephantDrive stands apart from many others in this market. Here are their stats:

• Two types of encryption
• “Bullet proof” bio-metrically protected storage centers
• Unlimited storage capacity

Carbonite Online Backup

With Carbonite, access or restoration of files is just a few clicks away. Among their more unique features is their unique way of marking files with colored dots: already been backed up, pending backup, still need to be backed up. Additionally, Carbonite has three ways to restore lost files and folders: from your desktop, from the online storage, or to your mobile device. (You can share files from you online storage area simply by attaching the file in an email.) However, you cannot backup external drives like you can with some other online backup services, cannot restore files between a PC to a Mac, and Carbonite only covers one computer per subscription. Here are their stats:

• You can set Carbonite to back up hourly, daily, or advanced options
• Unlimited online storage space for a low yearly fee
• You can restore individual files, select missing files, or all of your files at one time
• Compatible with Windows and Mac systems
• Can be accessed using your Smart Phone, Android, and other devices
• Has customer and technical support by telephone, email, and live chat.

iDrive Online Backup

Rated one of the top ten best online backup services available, iDrive boasts of automatic selection of the most commonly backed up data, total control over who accesses your files, and quick and easy-to-use recovery of files. Available to PC and Mac users, web access is available from any computer with an Internet connection, with encryption on all file transfers as well on stored files. With automatic backups, version control, mapped drive support, and Windows server support, iDrive is highly competitive in the online backup storage market. Here are their stats:

• 128-bit SSL encryption on all file transfers; 256-bit AES encryption on stored files with a user defined key that is not stored at iDrive.
• Files stored on a remote server, saving valuable hard drive space
• Files or photos can be shared with a remote work group using any web browser
• Files can be downloaded to any computer
• Ultra secure data center

You can get detailed online backup reviews at OnlineBackupTopTen.com, complete with informative videos and a comprehensive online backup comparison chart.

Well after a few hours realized that it was not going to happen that easy. Was going to have to run some special programs to see about getting any data off it at all. Called to inform the Attorney and was told that he would need a document faxed to him stating that the computer crashed and that right now is data is not recoverable. Reason for the letter was he was due in court the following morning and had documents on his computer for the case and wanted to give the Judge the letter.

I asked the Attorney if he by chance had a backup of the files and the answer was “no”….

I pondererd this for a bit and thought to myself “If I was the Judge I would not accept this letter”…Reason I say that is who in this day and age does not back up their data…..Of course the answer is alot of people. But, for any business i.e. an Attorney to not backup their data is inexcusable.  I wonder how many other documents he may of lost due to being in the situation he is in…

Only time will tell if the data is recovered. Of course an option to have a backup solution in place will be offered but for some reason I don’t think the the offer will be taken.

So for all you Attorneys out there remember that one day you may actually give a Judge a letter of how you lost your documents and that Judge is going to remind you that there are such things as “BACKUPS”….

How many times have you told a customer about backing up their files? Sometimes you go as far as giving them a flash drive and explain how to use it or demonstrate it for them only to have them come back to you about lost data.

I actually think people do not realize that it can happen to them. I can’t count the amount of times I have had customers lose their data due to hardware damage and either they can’t recover it or it’s cost a small fortune to recover it.

For that reason alone you need to get your customers on an online backup program. Yes, I know of the “great concern” about online backups and security/protection and everything else that goes with it. But, seriously do your customers really have to be concerned with online security? These big online companies are all to familiar with security matters and do have procedures in place.

Now what it comes down to is a product to use. I am all for white labeling a product and using that for your customers. Yes there are the big boys out there such as Mo** and Carb***** etc….But, the difference between those companies and your company that might charge a few more dollars is your customer knows “you”….They can not pick up the phone and talk to the person they are accustomed to talking to when calling those other companies. They can’t fee that security they have knowing “their” IT person is not the one they are talking to.

You need to be that all-in-one person for them to use and that inclused online backups.