Smart IT’s comprehensive online data backup service provides a cost effective, scalable easily managed alternative to traditional tape based backup systems.

Many businesses struggle to manage their data and even where there is a system in place that copies data to tape or other removable media often that backup is stored in the same premises and not even in a fireproof safe. In many cases the backup application does not fully report on the success or failure of the backup process so it is only when the backup data is needed that the problems become apparent. Many businesses have data on laptops that are not included in the backup regime.

Smart Online Backup overcomes all those problems by automatically backing up your critical data from your server, PC or laptop to a secure offsite location automatically. That data can be accessed online at any time not only securing your valuable data but bringing you the benefits and flexibility of cloud computing by enabling you to access your data through an internet browser at any time and from anywhere. Never get stuck for that important document again with Smart Online Backup.

Unlimited versions of your data are also stored so that you can access and recover historic versions of a file, folder or even a server at any point in time.

Prices start from as little as £5.99 per month inclusive of VAT for a 25gb account whilst 200gb of backup costs only £29 per month inclusive of VAT enabling you to back up your server and laptops with one account.

To find out about the many features of Smart Online Backup visit our dedicated website by clicking here

How does this work and what is needed? For more information read the Smart Online Backup Frequently Asked Questions below:

What is Smart Online Backup?

Smart Online Backup makes automatic backups of your files online. Your files are safely stored in an IBM data centre and can be easily restored via the Smart software client.

What do I need to use Smart Online Backup?

A computer, an Internet connection and Smart Backup Client. Using the Client, you can select data you want to backup online.

What are the advantages of Smart Online Backup compared to conventional backup techniques, such as tapes, CD-ROMs, etc.?

Can Smart Online Backup replace other backup solutions?

Yes! Smart Online Backup can replace your existing tape solution and provide a simpler solution with minimum user input.

System requirements

What Operating System platforms are supported by Smart Online Backup?

What type of Internet connection do I need to use Smart Online Backup?

Smart  Online Backup works with any Internet connection. The service is not dependent on ISP. A Standard ADSL connection would be suitable for most backup requirements

Security

Is my data secure with Smart Online Backup?

Smart Online Backup ensures your data is protected throughout the entire backup process. Smart Backup encrypts data using 128bit SSL security for data transit across the internet. Data is then stored at the off-site facility using 448 bit blowfish encryption.

What do I do if I lose my encryption key?

Data is secured using an encryption key, if you lose your encryption key, you will no longer have access to your data. For security reasons, not even our own staff members know what this key is. If you want to install Smart Online Backup Client on a replacement server and recover data you will need the encryption key, if this is unavailable you will not be able to access your backed up data.

Smart Online Backup uses an SSL connection. What is this?

SSL is an abbreviation for Secure Sockets Layer. This encryption protocol secures the communication on the Internet using cryptography and authentication. The protocol is often used to perform secured electronic transactions over the Internet. An online banking transaction, for example also uses SSL.

Smart Online Backup Software Client

How do I install Smart Online Backup Client?

You install Smart Online Backup Client on a PC, laptop or server. An installation wizard will guide you through the installation process. This is very simple and takes less than five minutes.

On how many computers can I use Smart Online Backup?

You can use Smart Online Backup on an unlimited number of computers providing you pay the license cost for the extra computers/servers.

Can the software also be used on laptops?

The Smart Online Backup has a special function that enables laptop users, who are often on the move, to use the program to the full. This function ensures that, once your laptop connects to the internet, a backup is immediately started.

How much storage space can I use?

You can select a storage capacity based on the amount of data you have. Storage at the off-site facility is compressed therefore 10 GB storage capacity can represent up to 20GB on your server or computer.

Do I need to leave my computer on all the time?

No. You can turn off your computer whenever you like. If Smart Online Backup was busy making a backup of your files when you turned off your computer, Smart Online Backup will proceed with the backup the next time you connect to the Internet. There is no danger to your data at all even if there is a power failure or an unexpected interruption to your Internet connection.

What happens if my computer is off when a scheduled backup is to be performed?

Smart Online Backup Client will re-start the backup process the next time you turn on your computer and is connected to the Internet.

What happens if my computer is not connected to the Internet when a scheduled backup is to be performed?

The Smart Online Backup Client will re-start the backup process the next time your computer is connected to the Internet.

What files can be included in a smart baclup?

Any type of file can be backed as long as your storage capacity is not exceeded.

How often can I make a backup?

Backups can be performed on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.

Can I make an unscheduled backup?

Yes. Using the backup software, Smart Online Backup, you can perform unscheduled backups manually.

How do I know whether a backup was successful?

We can setup email notification for the backups or you can review the logs via the backup client.

Smart Online Backup makes incremental backups. What does that mean?

Smart Online Backup only backs up files that have been changed or changes to a file. Because only changes are sent this means that backups are faster and only changed data is sent to the off-site facility

Why does the first backup of a file take more time than the following backups?

The first time you make a backup, the entire file must be sent, this takes more time than subsequent backups during which only changes are backed up.

Why does Smart Online Backup compress files?

Smart Online Backup compresses backup files to increase efficiency. This means that the data that is transferred to the off-site facility takes up less bandwidth. This reduces the overhead on your Internet connection during backups and the files will take up less space on the Backup Server.

Is my storage space on the server based on compressed files?

Yes. Your storage space, for example, 30 GB, represents the amount of storage for compressed data on the off-site Backup Server. So, on your computer, this amount could be up to 60 GB.

Can I make a backup of several versions of my files?

Yes. You can set the preferred number of stored data versions in the Smart Client. For example, if you make a backup every day and choose to save 30 versions, you can always access the file versions for the last 30 days.

Advanced

Can I define the maximum bandwidth Smart Online Backup will use to transfer backup?

Yes – you can throttle the internet bandwidth that smart backup uses to ensure that other internet services are unaffected.

Is Smart Online Backup Client kept up-to-date automatically?

Yes. Smart backup will download and install any application updates automatically.

What happens if a backup is unsuccessful?

If a backup is unsuccessful you will receive an email notification.

MS Exchange Server Backup

Can Smart Online Backup the database of my MS Exchange Server?

Yes. Smart Online Backup can backup your Microsoft Exchange Server. The Smart Client includes a plug-in for making backups of MS Exchange Server databases.

Do I need to shut down my MS Exchange Server when I make a backup?

No. The Exchange plug in allows exchange databases to be backed during normal operation.

Can I make a backup per mailbox on my MS Exchange Server?

Yes. In addition to the complete MS Exchange Server backup, Smart Online Backup Client also includes a plug-in for making a backup of MS Exchange Server at mailbox level. This allows a simple backup and restoration of individual mailboxes, contacts and calendars.

Are the backups of MS Exchange Server incremental?

Yes. The backups of MS Exchange Server Information Stores are incremental. After an initial, complete backup of the Information Store, only new log files are included in subsequent backups. This means that the software is still capable of making a backup of Information Stores of 50 GB or more with a very limited Internet connection.

MS SQL Server Backup

Can Smart Online Backup make a backup of my Microsoft SQL Server?

Yes. Smart Online Backup can make an automatic backup of your Microsoft SQL Server. The Smart Client includes a plug-in for making backups of MS SQL Server databases.

Do I have to turn off my MS SQL Server when I make a backup?

No. Smart Online Backup can make a backup of the SQL database without interrupting the operational processes, even during the backup window.

Are the backups of MS SQL Server databases incremental?

Yes. The backups of MS SQL Server databases are incremental. After an initial, complete backup of the database, only the log file of the database is backed up. This means that the software is capable of making a backup of MS SQL Servers of 100 GB, for example, with a very limited Internet connection. In addition, the compression of the backup of MS SQL Server is often very effective.

To find out more about Smart Online Data Backup simply call the Smart IT office on 0844 8118270 or visit the dedicated Smart Online Backup website by clicking here