Full-Featured Backup

Online backup services with business-friendly features

Several online backup services, including IDrive and SOS Online Backup, offer more features and customization. These sites provide enhanced file versioning and the ability to manage multiple users or back up a variety of computers. However, neither of these sites receives as many recommendations as Mozy or Carbonite.

IDrive (*Est. $5 per month for 150 GB) is ideal for those who want a full-featured online backup service. Once installed, IDrive begins automatically backing up common files -- documents, pictures and video files -- although you can customize when and what IDrive backs up. IDrive also saves up to 30 previous versions of each file. You can manage multiple accounts and change your backup settings from any Internet browser. IDrive offers a basic account, which gives you 2 GB of free storage.

Most reviewers are impressed with IDrive's array of features. Besides drag-and-drop support for restoring files, the IDrive software allows you to search for particular files within any backup set. However, some reviewers think the 150 GB storage limit is rather stingy, especially since most other services offer unlimited backup for a similar price. IDrive is available for both PCs and Macs, and Tom Gorham at Mac User (U.K.) says it works reasonably well for Apple fans. Like other reviewers, he thinks the storage limit is one of the primary downsides, and he notes that the interface doesn't really fit in with the Mac look. Glenn Fleishman at Macworld calls the interface "confusing" and thinks the scheduling tool could be improved. Most reviewers say it's easy to restore files, and Stuart Andrews at PC Authority (Australia) says the majority of users can make do with the free account.

SOS Online Backup is another feature-rich service. The Home version is expensive (*Est. $20 per year for 2 GB) compared with others like Mozy and Carbonite. Business users have a wide range of options depending on storage space. SOS Online Backup does tout some unique features, such as unlimited file versioning, network drive support for all users (which is usually reserved for business accounts at other services) and file sharing through email. You can also send SOS the files for backup on a DVD so your initial upload doesn't tie up your PC for days or even weeks.

Reviewers acknowledge that SOS Online Backup has an impressive feature set, and PCMag.com gave it an Editor's Choice award several years ago. However, some reviewers question the service's overall performance. Stuart Andrews at PC Authority (Australia) praises the many features, but says SOS is "let down by poor performance." Andrews' initial backup took 11 hours, and it took another three and a half hours to restore his files. While these times seem pretty fast compared to other reviews we've seen, Andrews expects more from this premium service. He also encounters some installation problems, which leads him to conclude that SOS Online Backup is not a serious contender.