IBackup

IBackup isn't the least expensive choice for backup online storage of your computer files, but unlike budget services, IBackup offers file sharing. If multiple users need access to the same files, reviewers say IBackup is your best choice. Business users will also be able to back up data on Exchange and SQL servers, and reviewers say IBackup has faster uploads than similar services, although no online backup service gets lavish praise for speed. Reviewers say you'll need a bit more tech savvy to use IBackup than to operate bare-bones storage services like MozyHome (*est. free for 2 GB, *est. $5 for unlimited). There is, of course, an encryption device -- most services have one -- and there are separate versions of IBackup for PCs and Macs.

Most reviews of IBackup are older, with Information Week the most recent (April 2007). A ratings chart at TopTenReviews.com says 2008, but that website often slaps a new year on existing reviews, and the testing seems better at Information Week and ComputerPowerUser.com (including a speed test), anyway. WebUser magazine doesn't describe testing and its ratings lack some context. Like many sources, once you get five stars, you keep them, even if better products come along later.