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Review of Data Deposit Box Online Backup

By: Stephen McGovern

Introduction
The initial utility for Data Deposit Box was setup by Tim Jewell and Rob Schenkel. In 2002, Tim and Rob partnered with Jamie Brenzel to incorporate Acpana Business Systems Inc. In 2003, they unleashed Data Deposit Box to the general public. They are head quartered in Toronto, Canada and have a USA office in New York.
They offer only one plan which has easy, low pricing and makes Data Deposit Box extremely attractive to both individuals and businesses looking for a easy, reliable backup service.

Security Options
Data Deposit Box have the best security we have found. Your information is protected with Blowfish 448bit encryption both during transfer and when kept on their servers - that equates to bank and military grade protection! On top of that, your files are copied using a special protocol invented specifically for web backup.
Additionally you have your own login details that form a unique encryption key and ensure that no one - not even the administrators at Data Deposit Box - can access your information.
On the physical side, your data is held in a carrier grade (that's the highest grade) data center with redundant equipment at every level, fire suppression systems and 24x7 human guards.

Backup Features
Data Deposit Box own a patent on their Continuous Backup System which waits for files to be changed, takes out the amendements, shrinks them , encrypts them and safely copies them to their data centers. This ensures quicker backups and permits open files such as Outlook to be backed up without closing the program first.
File versioning is built-in: Initially 3 copies of all files is kept, however this can be altered to a maximum of twenty eight if so required. But, each version - which just holds the alterations from the last version - adds towards your storage amount.
Initially, Data Deposit Box automatically picks several folders in your local profile: My Documents, Desktop, Favorites, and Outlook. You can easily alter, add or delete folders from the archive set by using the client software.

Restore Options
Restores are real easy, just right-click the Data Deposit Box icon in the system tray and select Restore. Then navigate to the file you need to recover, right-click and select restore.
Previous versions of files can be restored via the online site.

Control and Analysis
There is a great function called: 'Backup and Resume': Backups automatically pause when the keyboard or mouse is active to give more CPU speed and internet bandwidth. When the keyboard and mouse are idle for a while, the backup resumes from where it left off.

Interface
The client software interface is a bit dated - almost to the point of retro - and looks very corporate. Yet, it works well, isn't resource hungry and shows you all the information you need.
The web site is rather nicer to look at yet also looks very corporate. That said, it does offer a wealth of information and configuration options. There is even a Corporate Administration section where you can manage all the users you would like to use the service.
The reporting section shows prosisely what has been backed up and when. The My Data area provides a simple tree navigation system to locate any of your backed up files along with a search function in case you can't remember where a particular file is hiding.

Device Support
Currently there is support for MACs and PCs via the client. Any web connected device can access the backed up files yet such devices are not able to be backed up themselves.

Limitations
The more you archive, the more you pay.

File Sharing and Collaboration
Private file sharing is enabled on the web site and can be set on single files or complete folders. Each share can be assigned a unique password and this can be sent out along with a unique URL to give access to the specific files and folders you want shared. There is additionally an web photo album feature that can be shared in the same way. In both cases, files can be viewed and downloaded but not changed.
Public file sharing and file collaboration is unavailable.

Synchronization
Synchronization is only available from the desktop software to the internet portal. Not between devices.

Web 2.0 Integration
None.

Customer Support
Phone support is available during standard business hours. There is a lack of live chat, forum or blog. But you can get hold of support using email or by filling in the internet form. They seem very keen on self-help and provide a detailed knowledgebase / FAQs section. There are also testimonials, tutorials, a demo and webinars available.
There is not a free version, but there is a 15 day trial.

Ease of Use
Both the internet and client interfaces are straightforward to navigate around and use. Once configured, you really do not notice the client software working apart from the icon in the system tray gently blinking to let you know a backup is happeneing. There are loads of options available, however, everything is well laid out and looks great - if a bit retro.

Cost
- Initial setup: free
- Monthly Cost: $2 / Gb / mth
- Initial maximum storage amount: unlimited
- Cost of additional storage: $2 / Gb / Mth
- Cost of additional devices / PCs / users: unlimited
- Referral Program: Yes. $10 is credited to your account and the account of the people you refer once they pay their first invoice.
- E-billing facility: Yes
- Hidden cost: File versions add towards your storage usage, so only set versioning to the amount you actually need.

Conclusion
Overall Data Deposit Box is a solid, extremely secure internet backup service. The client's look and feel is a touch dated however it has that 'built to last' feel which gives the impression that this program will never let you down and will last forever. The archive features are excellent, although the lack of an ability to schedule backups is a bit unusual. During testing, the initial archive of 2Gb of data took a long time: Over 4 hours, yet this has to be weighed against the point that there was almost no system or bandwidth loss since the client stops whenever you use the PC.
The pricing is fine if you have a limited amount of data that requires protecting on several PCs. If you have lots of files then this program could get quite expensive. Also you will want to monitor data expansion if you want to control costs.
The private sharing and photo album functionality are good touches yet it would be better to see this expanded by links with web document services like Google Docs and Zoho as well as photo editing services.
As a final summary I would say that Data Deposit Box is a brilliant solution if you have a limited amount of data spread across multiple PCs. If you have a lot of data then there are cheaper solutions available.

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