Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is it practical to backup large amounts of data across the Internet?
A. Yes. Our software uses In-file Delta Technology which means that only the changes to the files are backed up. This means that if you have a large file that changes often then only the changes to that file are transferred to the backup server, not the entire file itself. The data is automatically compressed before it is transferred to the server. If you have a large amount of data to backup initially then our Seed-Loading facilities allow you to transport your first full backup using offline media (e.g. removable USB hard disk) to the backup server.
Q. How secure is my data?
A. Your data is always private and secure. Your files are automatically encrypted using your unique encryption key before being transferred to the backup server. The transfer itself occurs over a 128-bit encrypted connection and your files are then stored in an encrypted state on the backup server. Your data cannot be accessed (not even by our staff) without your encryption key. Read more about our sophisticated data encryption and secure transport.
Q. How safe is my data?
A. We employ a number of sophisticated data redundancy technologies to ensure your data remains safe and readily available at all times. Once we receive your backup data it is automatically replicated to another backup server. Our backup servers use RAID hardware to protect against hard disk failures. To further protect your data from major disasters, we utilise D2D2T (Disk-to-Disk-to-Tape) backup technology to store all data offsite at a Data Security Services vault. Each day, all changes that occur on the backup servers are securely transported and stored at these vaults. Read more about how we use multiple computers with redundant hardware and offsite storage to preserve your valuable data.
Q. What can I backup?
A. Our backup software is capable of backing up all file types and applications. Pictures, documents, files, spreadsheets, databases, Microsoft Exchange databases and even emails are all able to be backed up. With Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy activated (Windows XP and 2003 systems only), you can even backup programs while they are running.
Q. What Operating Systems does the backup software support?
A. The Online Backup Manager software currently runs on the following operating systems:
- Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP, 2003
- Apple Mac OS X
- RedHat Linux 6.x or later (any Linux system running Kernel 2.2 or later)
The software also supports the following additional applications:
- Microsoft Exchange Server 2000 and/or 2003
- Microsoft Exchange Server 2000 and/or 2003 Individual Items
- Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 and/or 2000
- MySQL Database server 3.23.42 or later
Q. How do I restore my data?
A. It's easy to access and restore your files using the Online Backup Manager software provided or you can restore your files from anywhere using a web-browser and our web based interface. If desired, for security you can restrict restoring ability to pre-defined locations.
Q. Can I backup if I'm not always connected to the Internet?
A. Yes. Our Online Backup Manager software has an “Offline Scheduler” option. If a backup has not been performed after a certain number of days, the backup will be scheduled to run automatically when the computer next connects to the Internet. This is ideal for laptop users who are often mobile and not always connected to the Internet.
Q. Can I backup programs and files while they are running?
A. Yes. With Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy activated (Windows XP and 2003 systems only), you can safely backup up open files and programs while they are running.
Q. Is free support provided?
A. Support is free and getting assistance is easy. You can contact us via email or phone during normal office hours, 8:30am - 5pm Monday to Friday.
Q. Is there a minimum contract period?
A. Our plans are billed on a month-to-month basis and there is no minimum contract term for OBS. We offer a 30 day free trial so you can fully use our service before signing up to a plan.
Q. Can I change my plan?
A. Yes, you can increase your storage space or features any month. You can also decrease these as well but you can not reduce below the quota levels you are currently using.
Q. What if I need More than 20GB of Storage Space?
A. We can cater for storage requirements up to 2 Terrabytes. Pricing above our 20GB plan is POA. Please contact us for a custom quote if your storage requirement is greater than 20GB.
Q. How am I billed and what payment options do you accept?
A. Plans are billed on a monthly basis in advance and payment can be made by cheque, credit card or direct credit.