Review of LiveDrive Online Backup, Storage and Sync

Overview and History

Livedrive is financed by Andrew Michael. Andrew started Fasthosts Internet Limited, the UK's main and most profitable Internet provider which he sold in 2006 for in excess of $120m. Andrew commented: "Online storage is the future. Lots of companies are trying to do it today but the products are crap and not a replacement for traditional storage methods. Livedrive has been over two years in the making and will be the standard by which all competing products are judged".

Livedrive has one of two versions: LiveDrive Backup and LiveDrive Briefcase (Pro). The Backup version can backup of unlimited internet enabled devices and an unlimited quantity of files. The Briefcase or Pro edition retains all the functions of the Backup version however also gives sharing and synchronization of files from multiple online devices.

Feature Set

Security

LiveDrive uses 128bit SSL encryption to their web site along with password protection for your account. Information transfer to and from their servers is protected by 256bit AES encoding - the most secure protection we have seen for information transfers. Once at their data centers, your data is managed with 256 AES encryption (that's very good!) and you can use your own private key if you wish.
As for the servers, your data is stored on high grade servers in diverse data centers. These were originally only in the United Kingdom, however, with expanding their service to other countries, they have also expended their web of data centers which makes your data more secure.

Backup Features

A very impressive features of LiveDrive Backup is that it is actually unlimited. We have been using LiveDrive for a couple of years now and have backed up many terabytes of data. Adding files to the backup schedule is as simple as right-clicking the file or folder and choosing 'add to backup' on the LiveDrive submenu. Once Included in the backup schedule, files are monitored for amendments and scheduled for archiving as and when they are changed. File versioning is automatically enabled on any files within the archive set and you can have up to 30 versions of an individual file. Open files are also archived frequently and thanks to the 'block level incrementation' technology just the altered sections of files are backup up and these are then added to a new version of the file. This precess vastly reduces the total amount of data that is required uploaded.
Network drives and removable devices like pen drives or other USB products can also be backed up. {and status messages so you know what is being archived and what is still waiting to be backup up.

Restore Features

you can restore up to 30 editions of any file you have backed up by accessing the web site, selecting the file you wish to recover and selecting the version of the file by means of date and time. Once selected simply decide where you want the file restored to and the service begins the recovery process. independent upload and download bandwidth flow controls in the desktop client but no CPU throttling. Socks Proxy servers can be setup which is good when you are in a shared environment and need to get to the internet via a proxy server. You can also set priorities of types of files, for example, if you are slowly uploading your entire movie collection, you should set office docs and other file types ahead of music files so that your more vital information is archived more quickly.

Interface

LiveDrive merges very well with the desktop on PC and MAC. It has a system tray icon to permit fast access to information and option screens. The web portal is very straightforward to navigate and use.
There are many collaboration, file sharing and synchronization options dedicated to the pro version of LiveDrive which is called Briefcase. Devices do need the client software installed to run LiveDrive but this is a no hassle and straightforward process that takes a few minutes to download and setup.

Device Support

Currently LiveDrive supports Microsoft Windows - XP and up; MAC OS 10.5+; iPhone OS 3.0+; Blackberry and any net-enabled product via the web portal.

Limitations

We have found no limitations with LiveDrive.

Collaboration and Synchronization

If you go for the Pro or Briefcase version of LiveDrive then you gain access to a host of collaboration and synchronization tools added to your unlimited online backup solution. When you enable the Briefcase option a virtual drive is created on every PC (or MAC) and this is where you store all your shared files. By default the drive letter it L: but this can be changed in the client software. Any file that is moved or copied to this virtual drive gets copied to the web site and from there to the other devices that have the briefcase feature enabled and are configured for the same LiveDrive Account. File conflicts are configurable and can be set to carry out an automatic option of your choice or to ask what to do with each conflict.
There is also a beta ability called 'LAN synching' which lets devices on the same network (for example you may own a MAC, laptop and iPhone all using the same router) to synch files locally rather than sending all the changes to the net and back. This is a really efficient ability especially if you have loads of files that you have to initially update on one or several machines.
Another very useful ability of the Briefcase is the option to employ a local cached version of all your data from the virtual shared drive. Therefore you have access to the L: drive even when you are not connected to the internet. When you re-connect to the web, the changed files are updated on the web site and amendments are pushed out to the other devices as and when they also go online.

File Sharing

File sharing is available in the web portal and via the desktop software - if using the Briefcase edition. Simply choose the file or folder you need to share, use the share link and then select to share privately or publically.
Public File Sharing allows anyone with the correct website address access the file. If you choose this option, you will be given a unique website address for each file. This can then be sent to anyone you like.
Private File Sharing means only friends you choose have access to the file. If this option is chosen then you must enter the email addresses for each user you want to have access to the file. You can also add a specific message to give more information about the file you are allowing access to. The program then sends an email to each of the addresses previously setup providing general information, your personal message and a unique web address for each file being shared.

Web 2.0 Integration

LiveDrive has a music and video player built into the web portal, along with a useful slideshow ability. LiveDrive is also linked to several online programs including: Facebook, Flickr, SmugMug, Photo Flexer, Zoho, Spibd, PicNik and others. This means you can access and alter the majority of your files directly from the web portal.

Customer Support

There is no telephone or live chat support. However, with the exception of wanting to ask obscure questions there has been no need to talk directly to LiveDrive's support.
There is an email form on the desktop software and on the web site which they reply to very promptly in our experience. The Forum and Blog are brilliant resources to get information or get questions answered from both fellow users as well as from LiveDrive's tech. support team. The FAQ and knowledgebase are handy for generic inquiries as is the demo on the website and there are case studies available on their website. A free version is not available however a 14 day free trial is offered on Backup and Briefcase accounts.

Ease Of Use

LiveDrive is extremely straightforward to use. After you signup, you can download the utility to your internet enabled devices and either start backing up your information or - if you have bought the far more useful Briefcase option - start dumping files to your logical drive. Restores and file sharing are very easy to use and integrating with online services to view files even on the move couldn't be easier.

Cost

Initial setup: Free 14 day trial
Monthly plan costs: Basic - $6.95/mth; Pro - $16.95/mth
Yearly plan costs: Basic - $69.50 / yr; Pro - $169.50 / yr
Initial allowed storage amount: Unlimited
Cost of additional storage: No cost
Cost of additional devices / users: No cost
Referral Program: Yes
E-billing facility: Yes

Conclusion

LiveDrive is an excellent archiving tool, it hides away cleverly and only shows itself when intervention is required. If you choose the Briefcase edition then the load of functions you are getting more than justifies the extra cost. With the huge range of integration with internet devices and online apps. you have a complete online storage and workspace that automatically synchronizes with all your internet devices.
For small businesses this is a great way to connect your team together and keep your projects up- to-date. For individuals it is an excellent way to provide a secure centralized storage location for all your information. There are lower cost Online Storage and Online Backup solutions on the market; but, We there are no better ones. LiveDrive's unique combination of user friendliness and huge array of functions make it a sure winner. And to make it even more appealing, if you choose the yearly plan, you will receive two months free and an extra 10% off FOR LIFE!