Google online backup?

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Thursday, May 22, 2008

Thursday, May 22, 2008

I read a rumor today about Google releasing something that will backup your computer's data to a Google server someplace for free. While that sounds pretty cool on the face of it, I'm not sure I actually like the idea.

Privacy. Yes, I'm sure Google's security will be top-notch, but you simply never know.
It's my data, I'd like to own the backup data myself (be it on my TimeMachine drive, TimeCapsule, or if I'm kind of nuts, a series of DVDs).
I can restore from my personal backup without needing an internet connection.

I'm sure something like this will work for an average user (my sister, some friends)... they just don't want to be bothered with any of the details themselves. Install some free software from that big Google company, click a few buttons, and hope you never have to use it. I get it.

If the rumor is true, I think I'll pass. Oh, and unless it's in the EULA, how much pron is going to get backed up to Google's servers? Heh.

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Comments:

There are currently 6 Comments:

Anonymous said... May 23, 2008 1:19 AM “On the subject of file backup, sharing and storage ... Online backup is becoming common these days. It is estimated that 70-75% of all PC's will be connected to online backup services with in the next decade. Thousands of online backup companies exist, from one guy operating in his apartment to fortune 500 companies. Choosing the best online backup company will be very confusing and difficult. One website I find very helpful in making a decision to pick an online backup company is: http://www.BackupReview.info This site lists more than 400 online backup companies in its directory and ranks the top 25 on a monthly basis.”

“I jumped on this bandwagon not too long ago, and haven't looked back. A friend of mine turned me on to Amazon's S3 service for remote backup/file storage. I use it in conjunction with jungledisk which mounts a mapped drive, and has automatic backup facilities. I think my highest monthly bill so far has been about 30 cents. Now I don't backup my entire machine, but all of my source code, images, pics and other dev related materials are all safe and sound up there.

Cheers”

“Googles core business is advertising. All of their best and most used applications such as gmail, google health, analytics etc are based on systems which will be viewed frequently by the user so messages, offers and adverts can offer Google value (because in fairness they are giving you the facilities free)
but this does not work with online backup as it is automated and only "viewed" in a restore situation which is not frequent enough given the overhead of storage and data management due dilligence. Google could become the main player in the online backup industry if they wanted but the economics of online backup are not conducive to advertising based services. If they decide to change their business model that could change but from a company direction perspective this only somewhat more likely then them opening up a chain of supermarkets. They could do it but its not likely.

http://www.backupanytime.com/blog”

“I'm with eric. I don't think Google should be in the business of backup for the reason that "backupanytime" pointed out - Google is into advertising - and getting paid for it. All of their services involve targeted advertising. No you may not pay for it but the company that is targeting you is.

It makes perfect business sense! It would allow Google to index all of your data, classify you and push advertising at you based on what you do with your computer.

I don't see anything wrong with online backup but I do see a potential problem with companies like Google doing it. Would you backup your data to a telemarketer?”

“Every dispiriting period is followed by a lurid sunny day. So, patience and attending is required and things gift be fertile in nearer forthcoming.
Rubic
remote backup service”

“The things you have mentioned are wonderful and I am glad to be the part of it.
Carrol spncr
remote backup software”

eric e. dolecki

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Google online backup?

Thursday, May 22, 2008