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This post is a bit off topic for this blog.  However, I recently decided I really needed an off-site backup service (er, I lost some files).  And, as usual, I spent way too much time looking around the web for such a service.  Anyways, I thought I’d share my homework.   To give you an idea of my situation, I have about 30GB of data (code, datasets, visualizations) that I need constantly backed up. 

Backup Services vs. Online Storage

There are a ton of options.  I just wanted an automatic backup service–one that works flawlessly.  Many services I looked at emphasize that the files can be accessed anywhere.  These services often refer to themselves as online storage rather that online backup.  The pure backup services usually offer unlimited space and focus on the software for backing up changes on demand or when your computer is idle, and on the software for restoring files.  The tradeoff is usually that files are stored compressed, and are only meant to be accessed for somewhat rare restores.  Online storage services, by comparision, limit the storage space, and although they almost always advertise the backup aspect, files usually need to be manually transfered.  The advantage is that the files on such services can be accessed over the web. 

I’m happy to keep files on my usb flash drive which I need access to wherever I go, and so I just need the automatic backup services. 

I’ve ranked the services based on my impressions of their offerings and personal experience…

Best Deals

1. Mozy–I ended up going with Mozy as my backup service, and an very happy so far.  I go to lunch or a meeting, and come back to a message that my files were backed up while my computer was idle.  The software for selecting which files and folders to backup is quite easy to use.  However, Mozy is purely a backup service, all files are stored compressed on their servers.  So if you’re interested in remote access to your files, look elsewhere.  2GB free, or unlimited space for 4.95/month.
2. Carbonite–Their software for automatic backup is really pretty slick.  I was torn between Carbonite and Mozy.  Like Mozy this is strictly a backup service.  There is no free version; unlimited space for 49.95/yr. 

Runners Up

1. StreamLoad (MediaMax)–StreamLoad is rebranded across a number of sites including MediaMax.com and the AMD Media Vault.  Initially, at least on paper, this seemed liked the best deal to me.  They have a free service of 25GB (they throttle downloading though), which may be enough space for many folks.  It both supports automatic backup and provides anywhere access to your files.  Its 4.95/month for the larger 100GB.  I said initially it looked good.  I downloaded the software, and it kept crashing on both my laptop and desktop.  Unacceptable :(  Maybe others will have a better experience.
2. Files Anywhere–Provides both online access and automatic backup.  11.95/month for 10gb. 
3. Box.net–Looks nice, but only 5GB for 4.95/month is too small for my needs.
4. FlipDrive–Does not provide automatic backup.  4.95/month for 20 gb. 
5. Iomega IStorage–5GB for 19.99/month.  Yikes!  Too small a space, and too expensive.
6. IBackup.com–5GB for 9.95/month, 50GB for 49.95/month.  Too little for too much. 
7. ShareFile.com–Pay by bandwidth.  23.95/month for 2gb of bandwidth.

Foolish

1. XDrive–Owned by AOL.  Provides for automatic backup and online access.  Strictly a free service which provides 5gb of space.  Reviews are mixed on its software, but mainly I decided to stay away because if I needed more than 5gb, there is no means of upgrading.
2. GoDaddy I’m a big GoDaddy fan.  This blog runs on a GoDaddy Hosting accont. But their online storage service just does not look like a bargain.  Called “Online File Folder”, its 2gb for $20/yr.  No automatic backup software.
3. True Share–Overpriced.  “As little as 30/month for 3gb”.
4. Amazon S3–A web service.  This is strictly for developers only.  Might be a good deal for a small or medium sized business.   
5. Yahoo Briefcase–A pathetic 25mb of storage.  Might as well just use Gmail for storage.

If you just need online storage and remote access, consider a regular hosting account…

1. An Hosting
2. Lunarpages
3. BlueHost
4. Yahoo

Around the Web

1. TechCrunch: The Online Storage Gang
2. PC World: Online Storage 

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