Seamless Integration with Google Apps & Gmail

One of best selling points about Google Drive, when compared to the plethora of competition out there like Dropbox or SugarSync, is that if you already have a Gmail or Google Apps account for personal or work purposes you are already Google Drive ready. Your “Google Account” login serves as the gateway for gaining access to all of your files, and is the same login you will use for the application (if you choose to install the native app, that is – the service works great without it.)

Getting into Google Drive for the first time is just a matter of going into your Google Docs tied to whichever account you wish to use, and following the prompts that lead you through turning on the switch for Drive. Once you do this, your Google Docs become renamed to “Drive” and you will also see the change reflected in the navigation bar on Google’s services. The interface is very similar to what you saw in Docs, but with the addition of a “My Drive” menu now where your “Collections” used to be. Folders in the online Drive interface are still considered Collections, so be wary of this if you are easily confused by Google’s irk-worthy naming preferences.

Desktop App for Windows & Mac is Dropbox-like in Good Ways

Saying that Google took Dropbox as inspiration for the way that Drive works on the desktop side would be an understatement. The functionality and integration are near 1:1 clones, except Google has its single login aspect going for it, which is a boon for many hardcore Google users like myself. The application is very small, installs quickly, and presents you with a folder like Dropbox does, to place all of your files into.

The best part about the app is that it mirrors your Google Docs (er, Drive) online folder/collection structure so that you can move between the two interfaces with ease. Drop something into the desktop app folder and it will instantly pop up (after synching) to your online account, and vice versa. This is nice for those who spend a fair amount of time in the online interface. I myself, in particular, have become an avid online Docs user so this is just one more nicety for Google Drive as a whole.

And another great aspect? Drive will sync down “links” to all of your Google Docs files so that you can launch them natively from your Drive folder as if they were true desktop files. However, when you click on them, you’ll notice that the online version comes up in browser and all and you can keep typing away at whatever you were working on. Don’t forget that you can also use Drive on your Android phone, and Google says it is bringing Drive to iPad and iPhone devices very soon.

5GB of Storage is Pretty Nice

Google capped users of Docs at 1GB no matter whether they used it on the personal side or in a Google Apps setting. But with the introduction of Drive, they have given everyone a free upgrade to 5GB of space which is pretty generous and much better than Dropbox’s paltry 2GB. You also have the option of purchasing more storage at fairly reasonable prices, including 25GB for only $2.50 USD per month and all the way up to 16TB for an undisclosed fee (you have to choose a “special” upgrade to get that pricing).

In all, Google Drive is a welcome addition to the Google Apps sphere of products and at 5GB of space, there is no reason to pass up this great cloud storage app. If you already utilize Google Apps or Gmail on a consistent basis, step into the capabilities of Drive with almost no effort by merely clicking on the “Docs” menu item on your navigation bar, and the rest will be a piece of cake. I’ve started using Drive consistently since it came out and don’t think I will be going back to Dropbox anytime soon.

Why Dell might succeed

Like IBM and other major technology companies, buying a startup and engineering storage company is the way to quickly acquire a market share. IBM linked up with Netapp and acted as resellers for their filers series. What changed was the bevel that had an IBM logo. Dell tried something similar when it collaborated with EMC but soon decided to go solo. Dell’s desire to move into the SAN and NAS market will take a lot to convince people who are happy with their current provider. That said, if Dell can provide better integration with their current servers, it will make their customers willing to extend their storage with a brand they are familiar with.

The challenge with the strategy adopted by Dell (Buying EqualLogic, Exanet and Ocarina) in its goal to compete in the NAS and SAN market is all about integration. How do you get all these different storage engineering companies to come together and produce a storage offering that will not only be similar to what the bigger companies already offer. When you are dealing with a large data center, you cannot just throw away the current technology just because someone says there is a new kid on the block.

There is also a lot of talk about using solid-state disk drives. Even if Dell were to adopt this technology in all their future storage offerings, it will be very expensive and difficult to justify the cost of purchase. Having fast disks storage is not the only thing to consider when talking about data storage. You also need to think about the network speed and how people will be accessing the data (think SAN and brocade switches). Generally speaking, most companies will like to have a SAN system for the price of a NAS. There is also another aspect of storage that Dell will have to offer in order to become a major player. This has to do with interoperability. How easy will it be for users of UNIX and Windows systems to freely access their data and copy information from one server to the other? Dell will also have to think about providing software to manage (interface) backups and data replication. These issues highlight the difficulties and challenges ahead for anyone thinking about taking on the top five storage providers.

When backups are stored at the same location as the main computer or server, theft, flood, fire, or earthquake could leave the business owner in a position of facing angry customers, work shutdown, or even legal action. In the past, the solution for that has been to store a hard drive back up at a different location. That protects data better than an on-site backup, but it is still not ideal. It requires that physical transport of the drives between the locations take place, so not all data may be retrievable if disaster strikes midday, when a backup drive hasn’t yet been transported. That could be as much as a week’s data lost, if drives aren’t changed daily. There is also the risk that employees may develop lax habits about moving the backup data out of the building.

Online business backup services store valuable data off-site, while being more convenient and accessible than other solutions. The software often operates in near real time for optimum recovery in the event of data loss. It can also be used as a resource for multi-site file sharing because the account can be accessed, by authorized personnel, using any internet connection. The software from some providers has the added capability to synch folders, updating a file on multiple computers when one has been modified.

Small businesses have different storage needs than large corporations do. For one, they have fewer computers and users to manage. Corporations are more likely to have a large number of computers, as well as servers and other high-end technologyand components that will need specialized backup solutions. They may also have greater requirements for multiple users to have access to the online backup account, with several different levels of security. For these reasons, services for online business backup that are created for corporate entities tend to cost more.

The plans for small business typically allow for two or three different users to be able to use and manage the account. In most cases, one person has full administrative access while the others have restricted access, perhaps only being able to schedule or retrieve data.

The security of data stored in online business backup is a primary concern of the service providers, as well as of the clients that use them. The electronic data that businesses use may contain proprietary information, and very sensitive data, including personal identifying information about their own customers, which must be protected securely. Reputable sites use encryption, often double encryption, and levels of password protection for access. Attention to security is as high as for websites that utilize financial and other sensitive information. When making a comparison of sites that you may choose to work with, read about their security features to satisfy yourself that they are adequate.

The amount of storage that is needed is what generally determines the cost. For a business, it makes sense to back up all data, so you will probably be looking for an online business backup provider that offers what is termed unlimited storage. That means that you will be provided exactly as much storage space as the full capacity of the hard drives for each of the covered computers. Some of the sites that provide online backup determine their costs based on the number of users rather than the amount of storage. Compare sites with both of these types of price schedules to determine which one is the best value for you.

You can find sites that charge as little as 50 dollars for a year of online business backup service. Usually, that is for bare-bones coverage. If you need more advanced features, you should expect to pay 150 or 200 dollars a year, at a minimum. It may be billed monthly or paid on an annual basis. Most of the small business plans will include some the ability to customize coverage, such as adding users or adding gigabytes of storage for an additional charge.

Maintaining an off-site backup is just good business sense. Clunky cartridge drives and courier pick ups are a thing of the past. Using online business backup is convenient, simple, and affordable, making it a smart choice for companies of all sizes.

It used to be that when it was time to back up computer files, users had to burn piles of cds, or load external hard drives with the necessary data. Businesses had some other options, with cartridge storage and off-site servers. That protected them from losing their data in catastrophic events such as fires, floods, or electrical failure. But all of these systems had disadvantages. Media stored at the same location as the original computer could be destroyed in a singe disaster. Reams of cds were difficult to organize. Even off-site storage still presented a problem in that the cartridges had to be transported back and forth, whether by mail or courier, between the locations, adding time and risk to the process.

With the best online backup, the method is simple. The user chooses which files are to be backed up and sets up a schedule for when it should take place. The rest then runs automatically. This is especially convenient for folks who have a tendency to forget or put off backing up data. Businesses like the automated feature because it means more time to work on something else.

There are numerous sites that offer online backup and storage. Most offer plans for the home user that cover either one or a few computers, and for small businesses with five or more computers. Some include an enterprise option for large corporations that need heavier functionality and support. Prices range from about 5 dollars a month for the simplest, single user plans, to almost 1000 dollars per year for the enterprise plan. Small business plans tend to run between 200 to 500 dollars annually.

There are other features that can be found at the best online backup sites, which may be of value to some users. For those that like to be a little more hands on, there are plans which allow you to manage backups with more precision. Small and large business plans allow multiple users to have access to the backups, at differing levels of authority, and may offer the ability to add on more users or data storage to the base plan as needed. Some plans include file sharing and workgroup options.

Security for online backup sites is tight. They use encryption so that even the most sensitive data is protected from prying eyes. Users can only access the site if they have been authorized, have a password, and successfully complete an authentication step. Just as with online banking, the providers of online storage know that their customers need to trust that they are keeping data secure. The best online backup sites will proudly display their security measures so you can sign on with confidence.

There are lots of online storage options available to the interested user. Now you know a little bit about how they differ. The best online backup package is the one that has all the features and storage capacity that you need without paying for more than you will use.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Cloud Computing data centers consume up to 100 billion kilowatts of power annually. This is a significant challenge for IT personnel, as well as those concerned with the carbon footprint created by the use of so much electricity in a single location.

A potential solution to the energy cost of data storage has emerged, however, with the development of Phase Change Material (PCM) memory, which uses only 1% of the energy consumed by conventional Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). Not only could this breakthrough lead to data centers that are far more energy efficient , it could greatly extend the battery life of mobile computing devices such as tablets and smart phones.

PCM uses differences in the electrical resistance of the memory module’s underlying material to store information. It has been the subject of intensive research efforts by leading industrial groups in the last several years. One of the traditional drawbacks to this method is the amount of energy needed.

Fortunately, researchers from the University of Illinois have developed a method that avoids this pitfall. Led by professor Eric Pop, the group has discovered how to reduce the power used per bit to a tiny fraction of that needed for existing PCM memory applications.

They accomplished this by using carbon nanotubes 10,000 times smaller than a human hair. The resulting single-wall and small diameter multi-wall nanotubes are capable of performing the switching operations within the PCM bits, while using only tiny amounts of electricity.

Among the potential uses of this technology is the promise of powering mobile devices with energy derived from attached solar cells or even the user’s own body heat or limb movements. One result would be smart phones and tablets that will go months or even years without recharging.

Pop sees other benefits for this technology beyond consumer and business uses, however. “We’re not just talking about lightening our pockets or purses,” he said. “This is also important for anything that has to operate on a battery, such as satellites, telecommunications equipment in remote locations, or any number of scientific and military applications.”

That’s a good analogy for what the software that makes virtualization possible does, all the time, day in and day out, 365 days a year. It makes each of the multiple operating systems installed on a server think that it is the only one getting the hardware’s attention. How does it do it? Basically it creates a “virtual” version of that hardware, which the OS thinks is the actual physical hardware. If you’ve ever heard the term “virtual machine,” that is what this function is called.

Think of how you install software on your home or office PC. You unwrap the CD, slide it into the drive bay, and then follow the instructions that pop up. A server administrator does something similar when he or she adds a new OS to a server. They pull up the virtualization software’s control panel and tell it that they want to install a new OS. The application then creates a “container,” also known by the term we mentioned earlier, virtual machine. Then the administrator installs the CD, and the setup process proceeds as normal.

Another way to picture this is to imagine the circuit boards inside the computer as being a person who speaks only English. Then think of the OS to be installed as a person whose only language is Spanish. They are on the phone together, trying to discuss an important matter. Normally communication between the two is difficult if not flat-out impossible.

Then a translator who is fluent in both languages comes on the line. He translates for both of the two original people, allowing them to communicate in very precise terms. That is what this type of virtualization software does. It does it so well, in fact, that the Spanish speaking person comes to believe that the translator is the English speaking person with whom they are conversing. The translator is just that good; he emulates the English speaker perfectly.

If you’ve followed me thus far, then you now know the basic concept behind the term hardware emulation. Virtualization software “emulates” the server’s hardware so well that the OS thinks that it is the actual circuitry!

There’s more to virtualization than this, however. In coming posts we’ll look at concepts like OS virtualization, paravirtualization, and other nifty stuff. So stay with me; the best is yet to come.

Users of cloud file storage can upload and access their data using the internet, either with an existing web browser or via a similar interface. Everything is stored at the cloud service provider on its network of servers. That helps to keep computers running lean, since memory isn’t being used to run and process applications and data. Cloud computing keeps things simple.

For businesses, the future of cloud computing provides some appealing elements. It eliminates the need to devote space to large servers, and reduces the need to constantly be upgrading hardware and software to stay competitive and support growth. The file sharing and editing ability improves efficiency because employees can work from wherever they are.

Home users benefit, too. It is very popular for image and audio files. It is also a great way to keep a backup of all important files so they can be restored easily in case of a hard drive failure.

There are quite a few providers now offering cloud file storage. Choosing one is a matter of determining what your needs are in terms of capacity and features. If you need encryption for your files, look for a site that has it built in, otherwise you will need to purchase an add-on application to take care of it for you. Evaluate how much space you will ultimately need, keeping in mind that as files are edited they will most likely grow in size. Free sites generally offer capacity of 1 GB or so, though you can purchase more if you need it. Other sites have either a per-gigabyte rate or a flat rate for a given number of gigabytes. There may also be additional fees for uploading and downloading. Read the price schedules to see how much you will really be paying. Visit our Online Backup Comparison Guide for a provider who fits your needs.

Most cloud storage sites have the ability for users to edit files online and to save copies. Automatic synching is available from some providers to update files stored on the computers to match the one on the server. You can also find add-on applications for synching and for managing data migration tasks.

Cloud file storage is the newest way to backup data and share files with multiple users across the internet. It is becoming increasingly used by businesses and other groups for collaborative projects. Home users, too, are finding the advantages of using clouds for photos and other files for easy sharing.

But how important is it to a person, really? Well, think about it. In your everyday life, how many electronic spreadsheets, documents, pictures, audio files, proprietary software files do you create or need to work on? Even if you are not an digital animation wizard toying with terabytes of data or engineers who render plans for new buildings using top of the line software, the amount of data that you handle and create is still very much considerable. Take for example this scenario: you are a mother to three daughters who are all starting their families. You would want to keep track of your grandkids’ development right? And in this age where almost every urban family owns a digital camera and are not shy about using it, you probably receive videos and photos every single day, right? Do you really print everything that you get? Most probably, you store them in your computer or burn them to blank DVD disks, the two most popular ways for anyone to store data. But remember, a single glitch or virus on your computer or a couple of scratches on your DVD and you lose all of the data that you have. There are a lot more examples that we can give you, but you get the idea, right?

This is where online backup services come in. There are simply a lot of them out there because of the rising need for the service that they offer. Since a lot of work on computers, and a steady number of us work partly, or fully, online, it is important to note just how online backup reviews can help you. The first thing to do even before reading online backup reviews is to know just how much storage space you need and what services would be useful to you. Why? Simply because storage providers like Carbonite offer different packages that target different types of users. And we are just talking about data storage space. The right kind of online backup reviews from trustworthy authorities and actual users will inform you of just what a service offers and how it can be beneficial for you. As we said, there are tons of providers out there and pricing, unlike other services, is not as near as you would think them to be. Other companies can charge exorbitant amounts for fluff or useless services while there are gems out there who give you what you need at a price that you can afford. Online backup reviews help you make the right choice.

So we got the basics covered, right? Storage space, pricing and user types, right? Wrong. Because online storage services are many and easily found online, a lot of companies offer additional functions, tools and interfaces that will either delight you or scare you off. Good online backup reviews include screenshots of the interface of a service, telling you just how easy or hard it is to access and edit files. Online backup reviews that are worth reading come in organized articles that detail the basics and dive into what makes a service unique from its competitors. The variety of services that these providers offer is huge, with some services allowing multiple access to the files to some acting more like online work stations where a number of people can access and make changes to the files real time, some geared more towards everyday consumers, offer great display interface for pictures, mobile audio players and other things that would appeal to an average user.

So you see, there are really a bunch of things that you have to consider when looking for an online backup service provider. Read as many online backup reviews as you can because information is power. Ask yourself, are you really willing to shell out 15 bucks a month just to store all of the pictures that you took of yourself? What services would appeal to you? Do you work with large files and need the capability to send them to people, bypassing the popular size restrictions of many email clients? Do you constantly need the files to be as current as they are and thus would need automatic backup and file versioning for your files? These are just some features that online backup reviews will enlighten you about.

But, as with anything that is informative, it is a must that you only trust online backup reviews that are written by actual experts and the people who have used a service. Read a review that is all too flowery and just sound like sales copy, and it most probably is. There is nothing for sale in the world with no downside. Choose a review website that is written by third parties who have years of experience in the industry. Look for user comments, especially the negative ones to ensure that you are looking at a review that give you the truth. There are many websites out there that offer online storage reviews but remember, it is so easy to sound like an expert online or for a provider to manufacture a website to hype up its product with lies and flowery but fake user comments.

By storing important files online, you don’t have to worry about hard drives or cds being damaged, rendering your backup useless. Online storage software lets you schedule what files you want to get backed up and when. You don’t have to do anything more; the whole process is automated. Some software even backs up the data while you work, so you won’t ever lose more than a minute or two from your valuable files. In the event that you should ever need to retrieve your backed up data, it’s simple to access your account with any internet connection. You can even use many of these services as a sort of virtual drive to look at and transfer files from one computer or worksite to another.

There are quite a few websites that are now offering automatic online backup. Home users will pay about 50 dollars a year for coverage for one to four computers. Small business accounts are usually about 200 dollars per year. Small business plans are intended for use when five or more computers need to be covered. They also allow for more than one authorized user to manage the account. By comparison shopping, you may be able to find a lower price with all the features you need. Conversely, you may pay more if you need some more advanced functionality. The major sites offer a free trial so you can give them a test drive.

Most major computer manufacturers have their own online backup plans for their customers, and the software is often preloaded on their computers. It may be free, or cost only a small annual fee. One of the benefits of using preloaded software is that it is already integrated to work with your specific machine.

Most plans are based on the amount of storage that you need for the automatic online backup, so when you are looking for a provider, you should know exactly how much that is. Plans described as unlimited aren’t truly unlimited, but will allow you to store an amount equal to the entire size of the hard drives for each of the computers covered under the plan. You can back up as much or as little as you need. Other automatic online backup plans are limited to a certain number of gigabytes, say 30 GB. Compare the features of different sites to see which one offers you the best value for what you need.

Your critical data is kept secure from hackers with encryption. Many sites use double encryption for iron-clad protection. The stored data can only be accessed and retrieved by authorized customers with identity verification and password protection. That makes online backup more secure than home or business drives that can be susceptible to being stolen.

Automatic online backup makes it so simple to keep important documents and beloved digital photographs safe. No more piles of cds to rummage through, and no more expensive payments to hard disc recovery services when disaster strikes

The newest version for Keep Vault has been released , KeepVault v4.15, and is now ready for download. This new version includes these innovative and useful features:

• The maximum file size has been increased to 200GB
• Backup is now supported for password protection and network shares
• Backup for folders and files has been improved

KeepVault is a creator of advanced software that helps you stay better connected with your digital lifestyle. Read our KeepVault Review and get started with the newest version of this storage provider.

Protect Your Music with CrashPlan

CrashPlan Central offers backup customers a centralized location to backup and protect all of your files and data, including your music. Your CrashPlan backup software is compatible with all computer operating systems and offers unlimited file size. Users can set their preferences to backup to specific computers or for fully secure, automatic backup online with CrashPlan. You can also specify where you want your files to be saved and with specific settings. For example, you can back up your music to one computer while backing up your data and files to another.

CrashPlan has a lot to offer for their backup consumers. Read our CrashPlan Online Backup and Storage Review and learn more about this cloud storage provider.

Backblaze Collaborates with OpenStreetMap

Backblaze online backup has a valuable feature called “Locate My Computer” which can be used to locate your personal computer if it’s ever lost or has been stolen. Backblaze has now collaborated with OpenStreetMap to provide the editable map through an open content license that traces your computer’s exact location.

Backblaze Releases v2.0.3

Backblaze has enhanced their online backup software with these new features:

• Upon installation, users can set the new auto-detect feature to set their preferred language
• Streamlined logging for client applications has been improved
• AVG virus definitions temporary folder has been excluded for backup
• The Russian language has been repaired in the uninstaller
• There is now a link to “Learn More” in the uninstaller and in the error dialogs box to correct web pages
• A date has been added to default “online hostname” for installations to assist users differentiate multiple computers
• Japanese language content has been updated
• Backblaze business accounts have been enhanced with popup notifications for billing clarity
• All supported languages have a localized uninstaller
• The uninstaller will remove all traces of Backblaze from your computer

For Mac Users:

• Current customers using OSx10.4 can continue using this service but there is no longer an installer for this version
• “Mountain Lion” OSX 10.8 (still in beta) now has additional functionality

Windows Users:

• All supported languages now have localized date options
• Windows 8 (still in beta) has been updated

Backblaze Partners with Sourcenext

Backblaze launches their business in Japan with a new partnership with Sourcenext. This online backup service for the Japanese market will provide unlimited amount of storage space, automatic backups, un-throttles bandwidth, restore options and vigorous encryption. This full service is localized in Japanese.

Keep your data, photos, music, movies and files safe from hard drive crashes and other forms of data loss with Backblaze. Look through our Backblaze Review and our Backblaze Business Review online. Secure your flat-rate fee, unlimited storage with Backblaze and backup your computer starting today.

Our goal at onlinestorage.com is to provide you with the cutting-edge news from the top online storage providers. Read our Online Backup Reviews of these top providers and use our StorageAdvisorPro Software to help you determine your backup needs.