Ensure You're Secure: The Real Deal on Online Storage

Twenty-two gigabytes of space and the little purple graph illustrating my "C:" drive showed only 5 percent of free space. I couldn't believe my eyes! I remember the days when 256 megabytes of space seemed vast enough to house the Space Shuttle blueprints at NASA. No matter how large our hard drives, jump drives or CDs become, it never seems like we have enough space. And heaven forbid your hard drive should go for a joy ride and crash at the end of the road!

Online storage may be the answer to your space-crunching and disaster woes. Online storage is simply what the name implies - a service provided by a third-party company that hosts static (unchanging) files that are usually too large to be stored on local machines, such as your office computer.

Uses

• Back up everyday files from individual, personal or office PCs
• Backup server machines
• Store copies of large file types, such as images, video or other media
• Temporary storage for FTP processing (discussed further below)
• Disaster-recovery backup content and procedures

Pros

• Reduce the amount of space taken up on local hard drives or servers
• Free up time spent waiting for large files to burn to CDs or DVDs
• In the event of a disaster or a system failure, you will have backups of important files.
• Eliminate the need for external-storage options, such as jump drives or external hard drives
• May be set up for multiple-user access

Cons

• Notice how I used the words "copy" and "backup" above. Bear in mind: Businesses go under and servers crash. Don't trust online-storage companies with your only file copies.
• Cost: While most of these sites do offer their services for little to no cost, file storage on your own machine is always free.
• Access limitations: There may be infrequent downtimes when you cannot access your own files during maintenance windows.
• Most companies cap you off at a certain file size.
• Security: You're ultimately responsible for judging what is appropriate to be stored on the World Wide Web.

Online Options

Carbonite

Carbonite provides a vast array of backup storage options with no limits on capacity. The system is automatic, making the back-up process simple. Plus, it happens when your computer is idle so it never slows down your connection. Available for Macs and PCs, Carbonite keeps data secure by using a combination of encryption techniques similar to those used by banks. Restoring files is fast and easy so if your computer crashes or gets stolen or hacked you can start to recover lost data in a matter of minutes. Carbonite is only $54.95 per year per computer no matter how much you need to back up. Special rates apply for purchasing multiple years of protection.

YouSendIt

This website puts a twist on file-hosting and also allows users to download and upload multiple files simultaneously. File Transfer Protocol services can also be hosted here, allowing Party A to "drop off" or upload files for Party B to "pick up" or upload. This eliminates the need for companies to possess their own servers to temporarily host files being sent to and from other entities. YouSendIt allows you to send and receive multiple files up to 2GB each, provides delivery tracking and notification, and some accounts even allow you to fully brand the service with your company name, logo and footer message. Accounts range from a free basic service to a corporate suite that allows multiple users for about $30 per month. You can compare accounts here.

GoDaddy

GoDaddy offers users a simple drag-and-drop service to easily move files and automatically back them up on a schedule you design. You can compress very large files in just a few mouse clicks, and you can even order professional-quality photo prints with GoDaddy's Photo Store. Also, their Economy service starts at $7/year with 50 MB of storage and their high-end Deluxe service goes up to 10 GB for $14/year (in addition to the base Deluxe package of $9/year).

So, come on, Dorothy - bring your tornados and houses falling on the Wicked Computer Operator from the East (Ok, I don't really wish that on anyone!). Online storage protects us from losing vital data that might otherwise be destroyed, and it also offers an alternative to bogging down our local hard drives. Check it out - online storage may be an option for you!