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Backblaze offers a 15-day free trial, giving you ample time to test their cloud backup service. This trial period allows you to see firsthand how easy it is to set up and start backing up your files.
Their cloud backup service is designed to be user-friendly, with a simple interface that makes it easy to navigate and manage your backups. Backblaze automatically backs up your files, so you don't have to worry about manually selecting what to backup.
One of the key benefits of Backblaze is its affordability. Their pricing is competitive, with a cost of $6 per month for unlimited backup space. This makes it an attractive option for individuals and businesses looking for a reliable cloud backup solution.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Backblaze B2 Backup Software
What Is Backblaze?
Backblaze is a cloud backup provider with its roots in Silicon Valley.
It was founded in 2007 by a group of entrepreneurs who wanted to create an affordable, simple, and transparent backup solution.
The idea for Backblaze was born in a kitchen in Palo Alto, where the founders first conceptualized the service.
One of the co-founders, Brian Wilson, initially considered using Amazon S3 servers but found them too expensive.
Backblaze instead opted to build its own data centers from the start, which allowed it to keep costs down and offer competitive pricing.
Key Features
Backblaze allows you to create backups of your files to the cloud with just a click of the Backup Now button.
System files, application data, temporary files, and NAS drives aren't included in the backup by default.
To create backups of specific folders or drives, you'll need to add them individually in the Exclusions tab of the Settings area. This can be a bit tricky, but it's a good option if you don't want to back up everything at once.
Cloud Sync
Cloud Sync allows you to access your files from any device with an internet connection. This feature is especially useful when working on a project with team members who are located in different parts of the world.
You can sync your files across multiple devices, including your computer, phone, and tablet. This means that any changes you make to a file on one device will automatically be updated on all your other devices.
Cloud Sync is highly secure, with multiple layers of encryption to protect your files from unauthorized access. This includes 256-bit AES encryption, which is the same level of encryption used by banks and other financial institutions.
Syncing your files can help you stay organized and focused, especially when working on a large project. By keeping all your files in one place, you can easily access and share them with team members.
Cloud Sync also allows you to access your files offline, which can be a lifesaver when you're working in an area with limited internet connectivity.
Performance
Backblaze performed well in our assessment, uploading a 1 GB folder in under a minute.
The actual times were impressive, with Backblaze taking 39 seconds to upload and 139 seconds to download on our average Internet connection (30 MB/s download speed; 12 MB/s upload speed).
If this caught your attention, see: Backblaze Downloader
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Backblaze also didn't consume a large amount of CPU or RAM, keeping our system running smoothly.
Here's a comparison with other providers:
Backblaze earned a "good" score from us, indicating it performed well in our assessment, but didn't quite excel like some of the other providers.
Data Recovery
You can restore backed-up files with Backblaze's three recovery options: Web Download, USB Flash Drive, and USB Drive.
Web Download is a free option that allows you to access your backups immediately after logging in and receiving a link via email.
If you prefer a physical copy, Backblaze can save your data to a USB stick and mail it to you for $99 per stick, but this option is limited to backups smaller than 256 GB.
For larger backups, a courier will deliver an external hard drive containing your files for $200 per delivery.
Here are the details of Backblaze's recovery options:
Plans and Pricing
Backblaze's plans and pricing are straightforward. You can save unlimited versions of your backups, but they must be no older than 30 days, which is a good starting point for most users.
The cost for extending this to one year is an extra $2 per month, which is a reasonable fee considering the convenience. For permanent storage, you'll need to pay an extra fee on top of the $2, based on the amount of storage space needed.
Backblaze's ability to save multiple backup versions is definitely a strength, but it has some limitations when it comes to flexibility.
You might enjoy: Backblaze Storage Pod Software
Backup Options
iCloud doesn't provide a robust way to recover your data in the event of a catastrophic failure, but it's great for syncing files among your devices.
You can complement iCloud with an unlimited cloud backup service like Backblaze, which lets you restore multiple versions of your files.
Backblaze will seamlessly back up all your data, without requiring you to worry about dragging files into specific folders.
If you're using a Mac or Windows PC, you need something else for backup altogether, and Backblaze supports Macs back to those running 10.6 "Snow Leopard".
Apple charges you more for anything greater than 5 GB of space, but Backblaze is unlimited - $5 per machine, per month, no additional fee.
Here are some key differences between iCloud and Backblaze:
Versions
Backblaze offers unlimited versions of your backups, but only if they're not older than 30 days. For an extra $2 per month, you can extend this to one year, and if you want to store them permanently, you'll need to pay an additional fee based on storage space.
If you want to save older versions of your backups, be prepared to pay extra. This is because Backblaze charges a fee for storing backups beyond a year.
The ability to save multiple backup versions is one of Backblaze's strongest features. However, the process of uploading your entire drive or excluding specific files and folders manually can be frustrating.
Support and Resources
Backblaze's help center is a treasure trove of informative guides and articles, complete with plenty of screenshots to help you understand the process.
The FAQs cover common issues, such as how long the software archives versions and how to select files for recovery. These guides are very helpful and easy to understand.
You can also try the chatbot if the FAQs don't have the answer you're looking for. If the chatbot is stumped, you can send an email or ticket to the customer support team.
Support Options
Backblaze's help center is a valuable resource for troubleshooting common issues. It includes FAQs that answer questions about archiving versions and selecting files for recovery.
The help center features plenty of informative guides and articles with screenshots to help you understand the process. These guides are very helpful and easy to follow.
In case you can't find the answer you're looking for, you can try the chatbot. If it's stumped, you can send an email or ticket to the customer support team.
I've found that the support team is responsive, with one staffer even taking the time to reply with a personalized message.
No hotline is offered, but you can still get help by sending an email or ticket. This is still a satisfactory option, even if it's not ideal.
Knowledge Base
In the knowledge base, you'll find a wealth of information on various topics. This section is a treasure trove of facts and figures, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more.
The knowledge base is organized in a way that makes it easy to navigate, with clear headings and concise summaries. It's like having a personal librarian at your fingertips.
You can find information on topics such as the history of a particular industry, the benefits of a certain type of software, or the best practices for a specific skill. The knowledge base is constantly being updated with new information, so you can be sure you're getting the most up-to-date facts.
One of the most useful features of the knowledge base is its ability to provide context-specific information. For example, if you're looking for information on a specific product, you can find detailed specs and reviews in the knowledge base.
Comparison and Alternatives
If you're considering a Backblaze trial, you might want to explore alternative cloud storage options.
One such alternative is pCloud, which offers a 10 GB free storage plan with no expiration date.
Amazon S3 is another option, but be aware that it requires a credit card to sign up.
Microsoft OneDrive has a 5 GB free storage plan, and it's a good choice if you're already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.
Google Drive also offers 15 GB of free storage, but be aware that it's shared across other Google services like Gmail and Google Photos.
Dropbox has a 2 GB free storage plan, but it's a good option if you need to collaborate with others on files.
Check this out: Linode Free Trial
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Backblaze have a free trial?
Yes, Backblaze offers a 15-day complimentary trial for Computer Backup users, allowing unlimited backups and full access to stored data. Try it out risk-free without providing credit card details.
Is Backblaze backup really unlimited?
Yes, Backblaze Unlimited Backup has no data caps or additional charges, but the speed of your upload connection may be affected by the amount of data being backed up.
Sources
- https://www.backblaze.com/cloud-backup/pricing
- https://www.msp360.com/resources/blog/getting-started-with-msp360-managed-backup-and-backblaze-b2/
- https://www.experte.com/cloud-backup/backblaze
- https://www.macstories.net/sponsored/backblaze-astonishingly-easy-and-unlimited-cloud-backup-sponsor-3/
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/backup-101-icloud-sync-backblaze-elliot-espinosa-open-networker
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