Review of Data Deposit Box Online Backup
Overview and History
The first program for Data Deposit Box was invented by Tim Jewell and Rob Schenkel. In 2002, Tim and Rob joined with Jamie Brenzel to incorporate Acpana Business Systems Inc. In 2003, they released Data Deposit Box to the general public. They are head office in Toronto, Canada and have a US office in New York. They offer a single plan which gives easy, low pricing and makes Data Deposit Box very interesting to both individuals and companies needing a simple, slick backup service.
Feature Set
Security
Data Deposit Box provide the strongest security I have come across. Your files is encoded with Blowfish 448bit encryption both during transport and when stored in their data centers – that is bank and military grade protection! As well as that, your files are moved using a special protocol designed specifically for internet backup. Also you have your own logon details which make a unique encryption key and ensure that no one – not even the administrators at Data Deposit Box – can access your data. As for their servers, your data is stored in a carrier grade (that’s the highest level) data center with redundant hardware at every level, fire suppression systems and 24×7 real guards.
Backup Features
Data Deposit Box own a patent on their Continuous Backup System which waits for files to be altered, takes out the amendements, shrinks them , encrypts them and securely moves them to their data centers. This permits quicker backups and permits open files such as Outlook to be archived without closing the program first. File versioning is built-in: Initially 3 copies of all files will be kept, yet this can be upped to a maximum of twenty eight if so wished. Yet, each version – which just holds the amendments from the previous version – adds towards your storage allowance. Initially, Data Deposit Box automatically picks several folders in your local profile: My Documents, Desktop, Favorites, and whichever email program you are using. You can easily change, add or delete folders from the archive set by using the client software.
Restore Features
Restores are real easy, just right-click the Data Deposit Box icon in the system tray and select Restore. Next navigate to the data you want to retrieve, right-click and select restore. Previous versions of files can be retrieved via the web site.
Control and Analysis
There is a excellent function called: ‘Backup and Resume’: Backups automatically suspend when the keyboard or mouse is used to provide more CPU speed and internet bandwidth. When the keyboard and mouse are dorment 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 operates well, isn’t resource hungry and provides you all the information you need. The internet site is rather nicer to look at yet still looks very corporate. Nevertheless, it does give a wealth of information and configuration options. There is even a Corporate Administration section where you can setup all the people you wish to use the service. The reporting section shows prosisely what has been archived and when. The My Data area uses a simple tree navigation system to find any of your backed up data along with a search function.
Device Support
Currently there is support for MACs and PCs via the client. Any internet enabled device can access the backed up data yet such devices are unable to be backed up themselves.
Limitations
The more you archive, the more you pay.
File Sharing and Collaboration
Private file sharing is available from the web site and can be enabled on single files or entire 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 wish shared. There is additionally an internet 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 client software to the web portal. Not between devices.
Web 2.0 Integration
None.
Customer Support
Phone support is available in standard business hours. There is no live chat, forum or blog. But you can contact support using email or by filling in the online 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, however, there is a 15 day trial.
Ease of Use
Both the internet and client interfaces are straightforward to navigate around and use. Once setup, you really do not see the desktop client working apart from the icon in the system tray gently blinking to indicate a backup is underway. There are a lot of options available, however, it is well laid out and looks great – if a bit retro.
Cost
Conclusion
Overall Data Deposit Box is a solid, very secure internet backup service. The client’s look and feel is a touch dated but it has that ‘built to last’ quality which gives the impression that this utility will never let you down and will last forever. The backup features are excellent, although the lack of an ability to schedule backups is a bit strange. In our tests, the first backup of 2Gb of data took a long time: Over 4 hours, yet this has to be weighed against the fact that there was almost no system or bandwidth reduction since the client stops whenever you use the PC. The pricing is good if you have a limited amount of data that needs protecting on several PCs. If you have loads of data then this utility could get quite costly. Also you will want to monitor data expansion if you want to control costs. The private sharing and photo album features are great touches however it would be good 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 we would say that Data Deposit Box is a excellent solution if you have a small amount of data spread across multiple PCs. If you have a lot of data then there are cheaper solutions available.
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