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Online Backup Services: Page 4 of 22

The flexibility of disk-to-disk backup and restoration was a great selling point. Most of the providers allowed backups to be scheduled at practically any interval we chose, with LiveVault even offering the option of a continuous backup that transmits information throughout the day as files are modified. We could also set up different backup strategies for fast- and slow-changing data types on the same server and run them concurrently. Opting to make backups at multiple intervals can also eliminate the need for scheduling lengthy evening backups. This will make the best use of your continuously available IP bandwidth while providing the most current information possible should a server failure occur. Disk-to-disk restorations are very convenient as well because multilevel historical backup data is always immediately accessible, and authorized users can initiate file restorations at their convenience.

Ranking the services proved challenging, as each one passed all our backup-and-restore tests. However, we found differences in agent functionality, ease of use, system-management capabilities, cost and retention schemes.

The services vary most in their ability to do hot backups of open databases, messaging services and dynamic OS files. Options run the gamut, so make sure the online service you choose can support your specific database and messaging needs. Many of the services offer machine-state restoration, but the vendor reps we interviewed said most customers opt for data-only backups to avoid the cost of storing replaceable OS and application-related data.

LiveVault, the most expensive service we tested, won our Editor's Choice award for its superior remote-management capabilities, emergency user support, simplified Web-based interface, and substantial database and message-system backup. This was a difficult choice--we were impressed with all the services and would feel confident storing valuable data on any one of them.


Since 1993, LiveVault has offered online backup, recovery and electronic vaulting services to large enterprises, remote offices and SMBs (small and midsize businesses). We were impressed by the provider's experience in supporting reliable backups of remote servers where access to IT staff is limited. LiveVault currently provides several levels of storage, ranging from short-term server backups to multiyear, archival accounts in data centers from IBM and Iron Mountain in the United States and BT in the United Kingdom.