By: Cristina | Last updated January 29, 2020 
Online data backup services can be lifesaving in so many scenarios. Individuals and organizations alike can equally benefit from them. Digital data is very vulnerable and disasters usually come unannounced. You might get your laptop stolen, you might lose it, your hard drive can crash, or your data might fall into the hands of a hacker. These are just a few examples of what could compromise/destroy your computer files.
Benefits of using an online backup service
Online data backup services are a great solution to all of the problems mentioned above and more. There are many reasons why you should use such a service:
- They are safer than backing up your data locally, the traditional way (using an external drive, stick, disc, etc.). All those storage devices will most likely be kept in the same place (home or office), which means in case of any disaster such as fire, flood, etc., they will all be damaged. Cloud based backup services keep your data safe without depending on a certain location
- Online backup services are really secure. They use strong encryption both when you upload your files and while they are stored, so that no unauthorized user can access them
- They offer flexibility/accessibility to your data. You no longer have to rely on a specific device or place to be able to access your data. You just need a username/password and an Internet connection. You can download you files from anywhere in the world and you don’t have to carry drives or memory sticks with you
- Your files stay protected forever. You no longer have to worry about your drive crashing or becoming corrupted
- Most services offer unlimited backup, so you don’t have to worry about available MB or GB on your storage device
Read more about online backup services and see the best providers in our lineup.
What are the main features of CrashPlan for small businesses?
CrashPlan is an online data backup service developed by Code42. Until last year, they offered services for both general consumers and businesses, but in 2017 they announced they’ll start focusing only on their business clients. That transition lasted until October this year.
CrashPlan currently offers 2 types of services: for small businesses and for enterprise. In this article, we are going to focus on the small business service.
The small business backup service offers features such as:
- Constant automatic backups and customizable backups
- Unlimited backup
- A desktop app that is compatible with OS X, Linux and Windows
- Automatic reports and alerts
- 1-month free trial
- Military-grade data encryption
- Dedicated customer support
- External drive backup
Price
After the one-month free trial expires, CrashPlan will charge you $10/month/computer. There are no other costs involved, such as costs for restoring files or installing the software.
What makes CrashPlan stand out?
One of the biggest advantages of CrashPlan is the fact that it offers unlimited backup. That means no limitations what so ever, not even if you get to 1TB for instance. The only drawback is the fact that you can only back up a single computer.
Another useful thing about it is that it allows business owners to monitor and access its employees’ backups.
CrashPlan uses top-notch security tools. It uses 256-bit AES encryption when you upload the files.
You can log into your CrashPlan account from any browser. The interface is really user-friendly and customizable.
The fact that it comes with a free trial is another pro to consider. It gives you the opportunity to thoroughly test the service before paying anything. If this hasn't been enough information to help you make up your mind about Crashplan please take a read of our in depth Crashplan review.
