As most computer-savvy individuals now know online backup is a method of offsite data storage in which files, folders, or the entire contents of a system are automatically backed up on a remote server.  A growing number of companies now provide online backup services which routinely copy selected files to backup storage at the service provider’s offsite data storage vault.  Most of these services function basically the same: the service agrees to rent you server space for a monthly fee, allowing you can upload pretty much anything you want.  But what are the real advantages of such a system?

1.  Startup is almost immediate, with no principal investment.

When you contract with an online backup service, the scheduling/backup process begins almost immediately.  With no principal investment to make, you simply choose the appropriate plan for your needs and then pay a monthly fee for that service--with no additional out-of pocket expenses.

2. You save time, money, and virtually eliminate errors.

Once you establish your online backup schedule, the process is fully automated.  This effectively eliminates the tedious scheduling you would incur using tape backup, allowing you to have more time on hand and more money in your pocket, while virtually eliminating the chance of human error.
 
3.  With data stored on disk and not tape, your files are much safer.

As most computer users know from experience, tapes are fraught with numerous potential problems.  And since most tapes are not encrypted, sensitive data is under constant threat from outsider access--which could wreak havoc should personal or sensitive information get into the wrong hands.  Online backup services can offer end-to-end encryption both in transit as well as in storage, ensuring the security of personal or client information.  And since your files are stored automatically offsite, online backup services provide peace of mind virtually unobtainable in a private setting.

4.  Access and manage your data from anywhere.

Whether you’re one person working in your basement or garage, or a budding corporation with multiple locations, a centralized online backup service allows you to manage your entire systems’ backup and recovery requirements from virtually anywhere in the world.  Additionally, most top rated online backup services allow you to have your data made available to a growing number of mobile devices like Blackberry, iPhone, Android phones, and iPads. 

5.  While reasons 1-4 are certainly prime motivation to use online backup, perhaps the best is that in reality, it’s only a matter of time before your computer crashes and burns.  While no one really wants to face such a grim eventuality, the fact is, despite clever passwords, impenetrable firewalls, and costly anti-spy ware, there are a number of natural and not-so-natural ways your systems can be invaded or destroyed.  Natural disasters--fire, flood, and hurricanes; intentional invasion--phishing and other social engineering, hackers, and individual sabotage; circumstantial disasters--power outages and surges, unsecured wireless networks, security flaws in PDF files, too many unnecessary programs running; not to mention the constant onslaught of spyware, adware, viruses, and Trojans--all of which can not only cause your computer to crash, but even result in irrecoverable damage.  Thus, the smart computer user plans ahead for such an event by scheduling automatic online backups.

The primary goal of any online backup and recovery system is to maintain the integrity of your systems with as little interruption in the overall process as possible.  With an efficient online backup service, you should be able to quickly transfer your data to any system from anywhere in the world and keep your business running--should you sustain a disaster of any type.  (A setback needn’t be a permanent derailment.)

But be aware that not all online backup services are the same.  Carbonite (see our Carbonite review) is best suited for the average home computer user, while SugarSync is the best online backup for smartphone power users, and iBackup is a fine solution for small businesses.