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Paid Internet Backup Services: Are They Worth It?

12 Apr

Considering a paid internet backup service? Read on to see what these services offer compared to free versions.

Are you constantly worried about losing data due to a failed backup, but concerned about the cost of paid Internet backup services? Before you make a decision, weigh the differences between free online backups and fee-based data storage services.

Should You Pay for an Internet Backup?

Using the cloud for data storage is a simple and effective method of augmenting your local backup procedures, but not everyone needs a paid storage service. Check out these key differences between free backups and fee-based backups before you make a decision:

Storage space: Free cloud backup services typically offer small amounts of storage. If you just need a place to store your family photos, a free service will most likely suffice. If you're a small business owner, and need to archive your financial records and customer database, you may need to consider paying for a more robust service.
Security: A free storage package may not offer the same degree of data security as a fee-based package. If your information is sensitive, such as personal financial data or tax information, consider paying for a cloud storage service like SugarSync.
Redundancy: Even a free service should store your information in more than one location, but a paid storage facility is more likely to provide the best possible degree of availability for your data.
Customer Support: Many companies, such as IDrive, provide both free and paid online backups. Since free versions of software are commonly used as stepping-stones to the paid versions, providing excellent service is a critical aspect of transforming a user to a paid customer.

The bottom line, when it comes to online storage, is simply this: You'll get what you pay for. Small amounts of storage and limited options are fine if you don't need much space, but if you're depending on your data for a business, look into a fee-based Internet backup service for business.