Seed Loading

Backing up large amounts of files (e.g. 300GB) online through the Internet can be a very lengthy task. It is sometimes necessary to send the first full backup through offline media (e.g. removable USB hard disk) to the backup server.

Seed loading is a feature of the OBM (Online Backup Manager) application to allow the transport of a first full backup to an offsite backup server without having to upload a large volume of data through the Internet.

Seed loading is secure because all the information is encrypted before it is stored on the portable media and can only be decrypted with your encryption key.

Once the first full backup is loaded onto the backup server through portable media, all subsequent backups will be able to run and complete successfully in a timely manner because it is only necessary to upload new/updated files to the backup server.

Restoring large data sets

Restoring large amount of files (e.g. 300GB) online through the Internet is also a very lengthy process. If you require large amounts of data restored quickly, Net24 can off-load a copy of your data on portable media and have it delivered to you*.

More information about how to perform seed loading can be found in the OBS User's Guide

Loading/Off-Loading pricing

The following table outlines pricing for loading and off-loading data to portable media.

Data Size	Media	Price	Notes
Seed Loading
< 4.7GB	CD-R DVD-R	$95.00	Customer to supply media
> 4.7GB	USB Hard Drive	$295.00**	Net24 will supply USB Hard Drive to customer for seed loading more than 4.7GB**
Off-Loading
< 4.7GB	CD-R DVD-R	$95.00	Media retained by customer
> 4.7GB	USB Hard Drive	$295.00**	Net24 will supply USB Hard Drive to customer for off-loading more than 4.7GB**

*For your security, all media will be delivered by signature required CourierPost.
**A $200 bond is required for the use of all USB hard drives and will be refunded upon return.

If you would like to arrange seed loading or off-loading please contact Customer Services.