FAQ - Online Backup (Internet Data Backup) for Business - Remote Backup to Offsite Backup Servers

FAQ

• What is Online Backup?
• Can other people see my data?
• Won’t it take a long time to backup my data?
• What is a seed backup?
• How do I backup my accounts package?
• What is the maximum I can backup before I need a seed backup?
• What if I need to restore a file I deleted several days ago?
• If I had to restore all of my data wouldn’t it take a long time to download it?
• Does a Boxer engineer need to attend site?
• Do I need to buy any special equipment?
• Do I need a special Internet connection?
• What happens if the backup server fails?
• Is there a limit on how often I can restore files?

• What is Online Backup?
Online backup (also referred to as remote backup, Internet backup and offsite backup) protects your data by encrypting it and storing it compressed on secure Internet based servers.

• Can other people see my data?
No. Not even we can see your data without your encryption password. In fact not even you can see your data without your encryption password so don’t forget what it is!

• Won’t it take a long time to backup my data?
The first backup is taken either by waiting for the upload or by taking a seed backup (see what is a seed backup?). Subsequent regular backups only transfer the data that has changed. Meaning for instance, a 30GB backup of office documents can be done in minutes each time it is run.

• What is a seed backup?
For large amounts of data the first backup can take a long time to transfer. In these instances, if the customer prefers, a seed backup can be taken to a removable hard disk. A USB drive is attached to the PC or server to be backed up and our software creates the seed. The seed is then loaded to our backup servers and the regular backups can begin.

• How do I backup my accounts package?
Off the shelf packages such as Sage, Opera and others have a built in backup routine. The only fully supported method of backing those products up is by running their backup routine which will create a backup file. That backup file should then be backed up to our servers. However, often people do simply backup the program directory to our servers. This may work but you should always consult your accounts program support before deciding on your backup strategy.

• What is the maximum I can backup before I need a seed backup?
This varys depending on your broadband upload speed (not download speed). A standard broadband line typically has at least 256Kb upload which will backup roughly 2 -3 GB per day. Therefore a 5GB initial backup could be completed over a weekend. If you are happy to let the initial backup run longer then more data can be sent without requiring a hard disk for seed backup.

• What if I need to restore a file I deleted several days ago?
Our Online Backup Servers will retain old files for as many days as you choose (typically 7 – 14 days). Storing old files will count against your allocated space but this is normally largely cancelled out by file compression.

• If I had to restore all of my data wouldn’t it take a long time to download it?
By attaching an external hard disk to your server or using storage on your network our software can backup files and folders locally and to our backup servers under one schedule. With this method you would only need to retrieve all of your data from our servers in the event of fire or theft. For such disasters and for Exchange or SQL recovery we would send a hard disk containing your data by next day courier.

• Does a Boxer engineer need to attend site?
No. In fact, you can setup the system yourself or we can do it remotely if you prefer. When a seed backup is taken a courier will deliver and collect the USB drive.

• Do I need to buy any special equipment?
No. All you need is a computer with Internet access.

• Do I need a special Internet connection?
No. Boxer Backup will typically work just fine using your existing broadband (or better) line.

• What happens if the backup server fails?
We have more than one backup server and they all contain your data. If one server fails there may be a temporary interruption before another server takes over.

• Is there a limit on how often I can restore files?
No. There are absolutely no limits on how many file restores you can perform and no extra charges.

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