In-depth Review of BackBlaze Online Backup

Overview and History

BackBlaze have just the one option which provides unlimited storage for $5 each month or $50 per annum. Their approach to internet backups is fairly unusual because they presume you would like to backup all your personal files - documents, music, pictures, videos, etc. - so you have to remove files you do not require backed up. The program offers support for 11 languages and file restores can be delivered from the internet or for a fee can be mailed to you on DVDs or a USB drive.

Feature Set

Security

BackBlaze security is something they are very proud of. They use double encryption systems involving 128bit AES encryption and a private key to gaurantee your data is truly protected.

Physically, BackBlaze's data center is in 365 Main Datacenter where they share space with Sun Micro, CNet and Esurance amongst others.

For extra info. about their security, see this entry on their blog

Backup Features

Initially BackBlaze uses continuous backup to guarentee all amendments to your files are immediately archived. You can also enable scheduling or manually kick off backups whenever you require.

Open files can be archived, however, server databases such as SQL server or Exchange Server are not supported. You can archive plug-in drives but not network drives. File versioning is available upto 45 days for unlimited versions of files.

Restore Features

Restores are performed from the internet portal and can be provided in 3 ways: A compressed file directly to any device you wish - this is free. The second option is to DVD if you are restoring less than 4Gb of data - this will cost you $99. Or if you are restoring additional data, they will send you a portable drive and charge you $189.
These options seem quite steep but most Internet Backup Providers do not even offer these options.

Control and Analysis

A central control panel is provided on the internet site that allows management of multiple accounts. Within the client program you can see details of files waiting to be archived as well as summary graphs of what has already been backed up.

Interface

The web and client interfaces are simple and easy to use. Information is provided in a clear and concise way and there are a reasonable amount of options without there being a bombardment.

Device Support

Current BackBlaze supports MAC and PC platforms only.

Limitations

None.

File Sharing and Collaboration

None.

Synchronization

With web site but not between computers.

Web 2.0 Integration

None.

Customer Support

There is no direct support, i.e., phone or live chat. But there is email support which is quickly responded to and the tech. support people are friendly and well-informed. There is also a Blog full of useful information.

For self-help there is some documentation - although the system is so easy that more documentation would be fairly pointless. There is also an FAQ section and the free trial which lasts 2 weeks, so you have loads of time to assess the service before committing your whole five dollars per month!

Ease of Use

BackBlaze is really straightforward to use, if you leave it at the default settings, then it will backup all your personal data from all your attached drives automatically. If you need to change things then the options screens are well laid out and easy to navigate.

Cost

Initial setup - free
Monthly Fee - $5 / mth / device
Annual Cost - $50 / year / device
Initial permitted storage amount - unlimited
Cost of additional storage - n/a
Cost of additional devices / PCs / users - $5 / mth / device
Referral Program - No
E-billing facility - Yes

Conclusion

BackBlaze is quick to setup and use. The experience of setting up BackBlaze was similar to jumping on a frisky horse: The problem is not getting started; the problem is trying to keep up! After BackBlaze is installed it immediately scans your locally connected drives, locates your personal files such as documents, pictures, music, etc. and immediately begins to back them up for you. It's comparable to having your very own over-eager Jeannie desperate to get the job done.

The cost is really cheap and while there are quite a lot of customer support options not provided, the available support is very well done and their technical staff are helpful and friendly.

If you are looking for a straightforward online backup solution at a fixed price then BackBlaze is well worth considering.