Overview and History
Acronis were setup in 2001. In the beginning they focused on hard drive partitioning programs, then extended this into the backup and disaster recovery arena and now include the whole field of PC protection. Their flagship utility: Acronis True Image is intended to archive hard drives, network drives and attached media. In 2010 they released Acronis Backup and Recovery 10 for large business clients.
The Acronis Online backup solution was released in 2010 and can be configured as a standalone program or as part of the Acronis True Image Suite. This is Acronis' first attempt in the online backup world and is a giant step in keeping your data safe.
Security
Security is good: Files are protected with 256 AES encryption both during transfer and when help in their data centers. You can select an encryption password which keeps your files even more secure however if you forget your password you will lose all the information you have backed up. So be sure to use one you can remember!
Backup Features
Acronis Online Backup provides a no nonsense backup scheduling service. When you have downloaded and run the client software, just choose the information you wish to archive and then either set a schedule for the files to be backed up or select the 'Back Up Now' button. The client is able to back up open / in use files yet seems not to use 'block level incremental backups' which means that complete files will be archived rather than just the sections of the files that have been altered. This will mean that backups take longer than some other Online Backup providers.
File versioning is supported and an unlimited amount of editiond can be held for up to 45 days. It is possible to set an exact amount of editions to store.
Restore Features
Restores can be managed from either the client software or from the online portal. In either case, there is the option to pick which edition of a file you wish to retrieve. When selected, the file is returned to you as a zip (compressed) file which means you can save it anywhere you want.
If you have archived files multiple times in a day, then a scrollbar at the bottom of the client and internet portal interfaces display the times of each completed backup and lets you to select these times to restore files from that specific archive.
Control and Analysis
If you use Acronis Online Backup as part of another Acronis Product such as Acronis True Image then Online Backup seamlessly slots in with the parent product and you have access to all the reporting, logging and controls from the parent suite. If you use Acronis Online Backup in standalone mode, then you get no reporting or logging.
Processor throttling is settable to Low, Medium or High and online bandwidth can be set to any limit you like. Proxy servers are also supported. Backup notifications can be sent to multiple email addresses and you can set up the client to perform pre- and post jobs, this can be very convenient if lets say you need to backup a database locally to allow it to be included in the online backup.
Interface
The client interface on the standalone edition is very easy to use and displays how much of your storage allowance you have used up on each of up to 5 machines at a glance. It also shows you when the next scheduled backup will commence. The online portal interface is nearly identical to the client interface lacking only the backup options.
Device Support
Currently only supports Windows client machines.
Limitations
No support for MAC, mobile devices or server platforms.
No way to extend past the 250Gb allowance.
No way to add more than 5 PCs to an account.
File Sharing and Collaboration: None.
Synchronization: Synchronization to the web portal but not between PCs.
Web 2.0 Integration: None.
Customer Support
Customer Support options are:
- LiveChat
- Knowledgebase
- Forums
- Email a question from a web form
- Self-help options are: User Guides, FAQs, Demo, Tutorials and Testimonials
- Phone support can be purchased on a per incident basic for $11.84.
Ease of Use
The client is straightforward to install and very easy to use. The interface makes managing up to 5 computers very easy and shows an instant overview of how much information has been archived for each PC as well as how much you have available. The interface is clean and clear with no learning curve needed to get up and running.
Cost
- Initial setup is free
- Monthly Cost: $3.95 / mth
- Yearly Cost: $39.95 / year
- Initial storage allowance: 250Gb
- Amount of devices allowed: Up to 5 PCs can share the 250Gb allowance.
- Cost of extra storage: n/a
- Cost of additional devices / computers / users: n/a
- E-billing facility: Yes
- Free Version / Free Trial: There is a 2 month free trial which provides 2Gb of backup space.
- Hidden costs: Phone support can be purchased on a single incident basis for $11.84.
Conclusion
This is Acronis' first shot at an web backup solution and I think they have done rather well. The fact that the utility can be either standalone or integrated into the existing desktop software is a clever touch and gives flexibility for users. There are a some items absent from the standalone version, for example reporting and centralized admin of all machines within one account. But these will probably come with time.
The single plan gives a sizable 250Gb of storage for a very reasonable amount and the client can be configured to utilize as much or as little resource and bandwidth as you wish. The interface is clean and straightforward to use and restores are quick and reliable.
To sum up Acronis have produced a solid, easy to use and very reliable online backup solution at a great price which is supported by the Acronis name: A global leader in backup technology. A great option from a great name.
If you want even more security, then buy one of their suite programs, such as Acronis True Image Home and get total computer protection.
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