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Online Cloud Storage/Backup Solutions

Cloud Storage/Backup Solutions

Microsoft SkyDrive (live.com)

SkyDrive is an online storage system created as part of a Microsoft Account (formerly known as Live).  By signing up for a free Microsoft Account, Microsoft grants you approximately 7 GB of online storage.  For a very reasonable price, you can increase your storage online allotment by 20 GB ($10/yr), 50 GB ($25/yr), or 100 GB ($50/yr).  Microsoft also provides a free SkyDrive application for Windows computers, Windows Phones, Macs, iOS, and Android devices.

Benefits

  • Free 7 GB of storage.
  • Web interface for accessibility anywhere you have a Internet connection.
  • You can upload, create and edit multiple file types including Word, Excel, OneNote, and Powerpoint using Office Web interface.
  • File syncronization between multiple computing platforms using the SkyDrive application.
  • Files within the SkyDrive folder (if SkyDrive app installed) are synced real time.
  • MS Office applications have built-in SkyDrive support.
  • Can create shared folders/files with other users.

Drawbacks

  • Uploading and downloading files via a web interface is a one by one exercise.  This can be very tedious when you have large number of files.
  • Only the files and folders that reside within the SkyDrive folder are synced by the SkyDrive application.
  • No SkyDrive application for Linux.
  • For large file transfers, a high speed Internet connection is strongly suggested.

SpiderOak (https://spideroak.com/)

SpiderOak is an online backup solution.  By signing up for a free account, SpiderOak grants you approximately 2 GB of online storage.  For a reasonable price ($100/yr, $50/yr with educational discount), you can increase your online storage allotment to 100 GB.  SpiderOak provides a free application for Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, and Android devices.

Benefits

  • Highly secure (zero knowledge policy). Your password is not known nor available to the SpiderOak personnel.
  • Free 2 GB of storage.
  • Functions as a true backup system.
  • You can select which files and folders you want backed up even if on different drives.
  • Download stored files with the web interface anywhere you have a Internet connection.
  • You can use a single account to backup multiple computing systems.
  • Can sync files with external devices.
  • Can create shared folders/files with other users.

Drawbacks

  • Highly secure (zero knowledge policy).  Password is NOT retrievable if forgotten.
  • Cannot upload files via the web interface.
  • Can only download a collection of files as a ZIP file using the web interface.
  • For large file transfers, a high speed Internet connection is strongly suggested.

Others

  • iDrive Sync (https://www.idrivesync.com/) – Review coming soon.
  • Google Drive (http://drive.google.com) – Review coming soon.
  • Carbonite (http://www.carbonite.com/en/v2/index)
  • Mozy (http://mozy.com/)
  • DropBox (http://www.dropbox.com/)
  • Box.net (https://www.box.com/)

 

NOTE: This page is to be used for informational purposes only.  The information contained herein should not be considered an endorsement or guarantee of the products listed.

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