Data backup and sharing are two aspects which need more security concern for data integrity and safety. It’s been not a long time ago when very few websites are providing data backup services and file sharing services. And the most familiar way to back-up your data was writing CD and DVDs but that was offline. Main problem with these methods was security – CD and DVD can be stolen easily or may be damaged while caring those somewhere place.
Through these conventional means of backup and sharing you can’t carry your data all the time with you. As the internet usage has increased so enormously, you don’t need to carry offline backup storage with you, just use any online data backup services which are many over internet.
As the radius of internet is expanding so much, it is easier to use online method than of traditional means. Creating backup is not an easy task, but it’s now easier to restore your precious data with online backup storages.
Online data backup storages works on cloud computing, which simplifies the use and availability of backed up data to the users. Cloud computing provides 24×7 data access; you just need an internet connection, a PC or smartphone to access your data anywhere in the world. Online Cloud can be considered the best medium to share your data with high availability and security, which are the two well concerned points in data sharing.
Today, we will discuss about the top 5 online data backup service providers, most of you are familiar with and use these services but there is still a possibility of ignorance just because of lack of knowledge about these services.
Email Service Providers (Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail etc.)
You all use email service either by Gmail, yahoo or Hotmail, but have you considered it more than email services provider? If no, then it is time to start it now. You have been used attachment feature of these mail services. This is the best and secure medium to store your data safely and [highlight-yellow]your data is accessible from anywhere in the world using your mailbox.[/highlight-yellow] But this is good if your file size is lesser than 25 MB. If you need more backup storage then proceed down for the other option in this article.
Dropbox
Dropbox is one of the best data storage and sharing services available on internet in current time. There are two variations in service – free and paid. Free Dropbox service provides 2 GB of space for uploading your data online. [highlight-yellow]Dropbox is being used across many operating systems like Microsoft Windows, Apple’s Mac OS, Linux, Android, Windows Phone 7, iOS, WebOS and BlackBerry.[/highlight-yellow] Dropbox can be used without using its client – using browser based Dropbox interface. The best thing with the Dropbox is just upload the files to Dropbox and synchronize it with the cloud and you can access your files anywhere using your Dropbox login details.
Windows Live SkyDrive
You can call it Windows Live Folders too (it’s previous name), it is a free web based service for data storing and sharing. It provides you huge 25 GB of cloud space to hold your data there safely. [highlight-yellow]But there is an individual file size limit that means you can upload only lesser than 200 MB of file.[/highlight-yellow] This service is built upon latest HTML5 technology which allows you uploading files via drag n drop.
You need to login with your Windows Live Id, which confirms this service is the part of Microsoft’s Windows live range. Using your live id for uploading files ensures the safety of your data and integrates the security as well. It is entirely up to you whether you want to share your files with your contacts or not.
Mozy
It is ideal for both home and business users; it provides 2 GB of free cloud space for your data. Encryption is the main feature of Mozy which ensures the privacy of your data, most business users would like to prefer this service because of this. [highlight-yellow]You can upload your data manually or schedule it for later hours as per your convenience.[/highlight-yellow] Space limit of 25 GB can be increased via paid subscription.
Internet Service Provider
Most of the ISP provides initial space of 20 GB for data backup with business Internet plans. If you are not aware of it then consult with your ISP and get the maximum storage service. This space is considered as freebie and comes with your internet plan so you don’t need to pay extra for using this space.
