Overview and History - BackBlaze provide only one edition which allows unlimited storage for only $5 per month or fifty dollars per year. Their solution to online backups is a little unusual in that they suppose most people would like to save all your personal information - documents, music, pictures, videos, etc. – so you will need to remove files you do not require backed up. The program provides support for 11 languages and file restores can be delivered via web or for a charge can be mailed to you on DVDs or a USB drive.
Security - BackBlaze security is something they are very proud of. They use double encryption techniques involving 128bit AES encryption and your own private key to confirm your data is truly secure.
Physically, BackBlaze’s data center is in 365 Main Datacenter where they share space with such companies as Sun Micro, CNet and Esurance amongst others.
For additional details about their security, check out this entry on their blog: http://blog.backblaze.com/2008/11/12/how-to-make-strong-encryption-easy-to-use/
Backup Features - Initially BackBlaze uses continuous backup to guarentee all amendments to your files are immediately backed up. You can additionally setup scheduling or manually start backups whenever you would like.
Active files can be backed up, yet server databases such as SQL server or Exchange Server are not supported. You can archive USB drives but not network drives. File versioning is available upto 45 days for an number of versions of files.
Restore Features - Restores are done from the internet site and can be provided in 3 ways: A zip file straight to any device you wish - this is free. The second option is to DVD if you are restoring less than 4Gb of data - this costs you $99. Or if you are restoring a lot of files, they will send you a USB drive and charge you $189.
These options seem quite steep yet most Web Backup Providers do not even provide these options.
Control and Analysis - A central control panel is provided on the online portal that provides management of multiple accounts. Within the client program you can see details of files waiting to be archived as well as summary graphs of what has already been backed up.
Interface - The online and client interfaces are simple and straightforward. Information is presented in a clear and concise way and there are a reasonable number of options without there being a bombardment.
Device Support - Current BackBlaze supports MAC and PC platforms only.
Limitations - None.
File Sharing and Collaboration - None.
Synchronization - With web portal but not between devices.
Web 2.0 Integration - None.
Customer Support - There is no direct support, e.g., phone or live chat. However, there is email support which is quickly answered and the tech. support people are friendly and knowledgeable. There is also a Blog filled with helpful information.
For self-help there is some documentation - although the system is so simple that more documentation would be fairly pointless. There is also an FAQ section and the free trial which lasts 15 days, so you have lots of time to consider the service before committing your whole five dollars per month!
Ease of Use - BackBlaze is really straightforward to use, if you leave it at the default settings, BackBlaze will archive all your personal information from all your local drives automatically. If you need to amend things then the options screens are well laid out and straightforward to navigate.
Conclusion
BackBlaze is quick to setup and use. The experience of configuring BackBlaze was similar to jumping on a frisky horse: The problem is not getting started; the problem is trying to keep up! When BackBlaze is installed it rapidly scans your locally connected drives, locates your personal files such as documents, pictures, music, etc. and instantly begins to back them up for you. It's like having your very own over-eager Jeannie desperate to get the job done.
The cost is very cheap and while there are a lot of customer support options not provided, the available support is very well done and their technical staff are very helpful and friendly.
If you are looking for a straightforward online backup solution at a fixed price then BackBlaze is well worth considering.
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