How it Works

Remote Backup works basically like regular data backup software, with one importantdifference. Instead of sending backups to a tape drive or other media attached to the computer it is backing up, Remote Backup sends the backup over regular telephone lines or network connections to another computer safely offsite. It does this (usually) at night while your computers aren't being used. It's completely automatic. At a predetermined time, Remote Backup "wakes up" and determines which files need backing up. It then compresses those files into archives that can in many cases be only 10% to 20% of the original file sizes. These archives are then encrypted using an encryption key known only to you.

Finally and most importantly - Backups are immediately sent offsite and stored safely away from your computer and your business. This is where almost every business makes its biggest mistake. Even if you do everything else perfectly, your backups are of little use if your building burns, or you are unable to physically recover your tapes from the premises. Most small companies who do backups leave the tapes in the building with the computer, where they can be destroyed right along with the computer.

Of course, you can see that this would be a problem in a fire or an earthquake. But there are other problems. The Federal Trade Center bombing in New York City is a good example. Even businesses that were doing backups and had good, undamaged tapes in the building had to shut down. Many went out of business simply because they couldn't get their data.

The correct files are backed up. Ordinary backup software is often installed with a list of files to be backed up. This set of files usually represents the state of the system when the software was installed, and often misses critical files. Further, it often fails to back up files that get added later. Compounding this problem, VERY few businesses take the trouble to reset their backup software regularly to include new files.

Remote Backup solves this problem by constantly reevaluating your computer system, adding files to the backup as needed. Multiple copies of files are stored using a sophisticated version control system unavailable in most other backup software of any kind. This is much too important to overlook.