Best Online Data Backup Service for Mac Users
Offsite Storage Services for Apple OS X Files
Jul 29, 2009
Backing up data is a mundane yet crucial process for all Mac OS X users.
Although onsite backup using external hard drives or DVDs is a common backup solution, Mac computer users also have the option of subscribing to an online data backup service.
These services allow subscribers to securely upload important files to a safe remote server. Once uploaded, the backup files can be accessed whenever there is a need (i.e. hard drive failure, accidental deletion, etc.). Subscribing to an online backup service is a easy process. Users simply need to sign-up and then download the file transfer software. Once this software is installed on the user’s Mac, the data backup process can begin.
Online Backup Services for Mac Users
Mac users have quite a few options when it comes to choosing an online data backup service. More often than not, these remote backup services charge subscription rates based on the amount of data being stored.
Companies such as CrashPlan charge for the size of the remote storage space ($5 per month for 50GB). Whereas companies like Jungle Disk charge users for the exact storage used per month ($0.15 per GB per month). These subscription rates vary depending on if the account is for personal, business or corporate use.
Many of these data backup companies offer free accounts (usually limited to 2GB of online storage space with restrictions) or a free 30-day trial of the subscription service.
Mozy and iDrive Online Data Backup Services
Mozy and iDrive are arguably the most popular choices for online data backup. These two award-winning services boast many of the same features such as a free 2GB account, powerful encryption for storage and transfers as well as a variety of other account options.
Mozy allows all users 2GB of free storage known as a MozyHome account. Users needing more than 2GB of data space can opt for the unlimited personal backup storage option for $4.95/month. Businesses can take advantage of the MozyPro plan for $3.95 + $0.50/GB per month per desktop computer or $6.95 + $0.50/GB per month for a server license.
iDrive’s free 2GB account is known as iDrive Basic. Users planning to use more than 2GB of remote storage can upgrade to the 150GB iDrive Pro personal account for $4.95/month. Businesses looking to subscribe to iDrive have the option of three different iDrive Pro business accounts starting at $9.95/month for 50GB of storage.
CrashPlan Online Backup Service for Mac Data
CrashPlan is an alternative to iDrive and Mozy. This remote backup service shares many of the same features with the other two but adds two unique options.
CrashPlan offers users the option of couriering customer data directly to the CrashPlan servers. This premium add-on is known as “seeding the initial backup” and prevents customers having to go through the arduous process of uploading massive amounts of data via an internet connection.
As an added bonus, the CrashPlan software allows users to backup files to a second or third computer. This data storage service is completely free and can be used with PC and Macs as long as the user has the CrashPlan software installed on all the computers.
Online Backup Services: The Best Data Backup Solution for Mac Users?
Hiring an online data backup service can be beneficial for several reasons. The process is very simple and convenient with minimal initial cost as opposed to backing up to external hard drives or other digital media. Subscribers to online backup services can access to their files anywhere and the data exists offsite so it is protected against data loss due to theft, fire and other acts of nature.
Of course, online data backup services are not without their drawbacks. Depending on the service and the amount of data, users can expect the initial uploading of data to take days, if not weeks. The same holds true for the reverse process of restoring lost data. Unlike onsite backup solutions, online data backup services are an ongoing monthly expense. Furthermore, Mac users subscribing to a backup service surrender physical control of their data.
The best strategy for backing up important data on Mac computers is to have more than one backup solution. Onsite data backup to DVDs or an external hard drive combined with a online data backup service ensures that important computer files will not be lost in the event of a hard drive crash or an unfortunate act of nature.
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