Overview and History
The original software for Data Deposit Box was invented by Tim Jewell and Rob Schenkel. In 2002, Tim and Rob teamed up with Jamie Brenzel to start Acpana Business Systems Inc. In 2003, they released 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 provides easy, low pricing and makes Data Deposit Box very attractive to both individuals and businesses needing a easy, reliable archive solution.
Security Options
Data Deposit Box provide the strongest security I have come across. Your files is encrypted with Blowfish 448bit encryption both during transport and when stored on their servers - that equals bank and military grade protection! On top of that, your files are moved using a special protocol created specifically for internet backup.
Additionally you are provided with your own logon details which form a unique encryption key and ensure that no one - not even the administrators at Data Deposit Box - can access your information.
Physically, your information is held in a carrier grade (that's the highest level) data center with redundant hardware at every level, fire suppression systems and 24x7 real guards.
Backup Abilities
Data Deposit Box own a patent on their Continuous Backup System which waits for files to be changed, removes the changes, shrinks them , encrypts them and safely transfers them to their data centers. This allows for faster backups and lets open files such as Outlook to be backed up without closing the program first.
File versioning is built-in: At first 3 copies of all files will be kept, however this can be adjusted to a maximum of 28 versions if so desired. However, each version - which just holds the differences from the previous version - counts towards your storage allowance.
Initially, Data Deposit Box automatically chooses several folders in your local profile: My Documents, Desktop, Favorites, and whichever email program you are using. You can easily amend, add or delete folders from the archive set by using the client software.
Restore Abilities
Restores are a snap, simply right-click the Data Deposit Box icon in the system tray and click Restore. Next navigate to the files you need to retrieve, right-click and select restore.
Previous versions of files can be restored via the web site.
Control and Analysis
There is a clever ability called: 'Backup and Resume': Backups automatically suspend when the keyboard or mouse is active to give more processor speed and internet bandwidth. When the keyboard and mouse are idle for a while, the backup starts from where it left off.
Interface
The client software interface is a bit old-style - almost to the point of retro - and looks very corporate. Yet, it performs well, used few resources and gives you all the information you need.
The online site is somewhat prettier but still looks very corporate. Aside from that, 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 need to use the service.
The reporting section displays exactly what has been archived and when. The My Data area uses a easy 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
At the time of writing there is support for MACs and PCs via the client. Any internet connected device can access the archived data yet the devices are not able to be backed up themselves.
Limitations
The more you backup, the more you pay.
File Sharing and Collaboration
Private file sharing is built-in to the web portal and can be enabled on single files or entire folders. Each share can be set up with a unique password and this can be sent out along with a unique internet address to permit access to the specific files and folders you need shared. There is additionally an online photo album feature that can be shared in the same way. In both cases, files can be viewed and downloaded but not amended.
Public file sharing and file collaboration is not available.
Synchronization
Synchronization is only available from the desktop software to the online site. 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. Yet you can get hold of support by way of email or by completing the online form. They seem very keen on self-help and have 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.
Learning curve
Both the web and client interfaces are easy to navigate around and use. Once setup, you really don't see the program working apart from the icon in the system tray gently blinking to inform you a backup is underway. There are tons of options available, however, it is well laid out and looks good - 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.
Final Word
Overall Data Deposit Box is a solid, extremely secure web backup service. The client's styling is a little dated but it has that 'built to last' feel which gives the idea that this product will never fail and will last forever. The archive features are excellent, although the lack of an ability to schedule backups is a bit unusual. When testing, the initial backup of 2Gb of data took a long time: Over 4 hours, however this has to be weighed against the fact that there was almost zero processor or bandwidth reduction since the client stops whenever you use the PC.
The pricing is good if you have a small amount of data that needs protecting on several computers. If you have a lot of files then this program could get quite costly. Additionally you will want to keep an eye on data expansion if you want to manage costs.
The private sharing and photo album abilities are good touches yet it would be better to see this expanded by linking with web document services like Google Docs and Zoho as well as photo editing services.
As a final word we would say that Data Deposit Box is a brilliant 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.
Author Resource:
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