A new backup tool can help firms make use of free storage space on PC hard drives
Remote access firm LogMeIn (formerly 3am Labs) has introduced a tool that securely backs up data from one client PC to another, or to a central server. The system works across a company network or the internet, allowing mobile staff to back up vital documents and files while on the road, the company said.
LogMeIn Backup, available from 24 April, is designed to make use of the large amount of free storage space available on modern PC hard drives.
"There's no shortage of storage – 70 percent of a PC hard drive is typically free space," said LogMeIn chief executive Michael Simon. The problem lies in the complexity and cost of setting up a backup network, he added.
The service is suitable for customers ranging from corporates to individual consumers, and is designed to make it easy to back up files such as documents and emails, according to LogMeIn.
"In 90 seconds and three or four clicks of the mouse, you can back up My Documents remotely. It’s an order of magnitude simpler than tape backup," said Simon. Users designate the files and folders they want to backup, and schedule automated sessions, as with traditional backup tools.
Getting remote backup to work can be tricky, but LogMeIn's uses the same communications infrastructure as its remote access tool. This employs a LogMeIn internet server to act as intermediary to enable the host and remote systems to find each other.
However, Simon stressed that all communication between the two is encrypted for security. Furthermore, the backup files stored on the system acting as host are also encrypted, so only the user who owns the data can access it.
Staff in small firms might use each other's desktop PCs to back up their files, while larger firms could run a dedicate file server. The advantage of this approach is that all employees get their data securely backed up, and " configuration is no hassle for the IT department", according to Simon.
A user such as an estate agent equipped with a laptop could back up their work to the company server from anywhere with internet connectivity, LogMeIn said.
However, the initial backup is only half of the equation, said Simon. "Most backup solutions fail when it comes to recovering the data, so a lot of work has gone into making LogMeIn Backup usable and reliable," he added.
The company also offers a free tool called LogMeIn Scout that integrates with Microsoft’s Active Directory and enables administrators to enforce security policies by detecting and managing LogMeIn installations running on their network.
LogMeIn Backup requires a single 3.4MB executable on both the client and the system acting as backup host. The basic service supports 2 PCs for $6.95 (£4) per month, with additional PCs costing an additional $5.95 (£3.50) per month.
Remote access firm LogMeIn (formerly 3am Labs) has introduced a tool that securely backs up data from one client PC to another, or to a central server. The system works across a company network or the internet, allowing mobile staff to back up vital documents and files while on the road, the company said.
LogMeIn Backup, available from 24 April, is designed to make use of the large amount of free storage space available on modern PC hard drives.
"There's no shortage of storage – 70 percent of a PC hard drive is typically free space," said LogMeIn chief executive Michael Simon. The problem lies in the complexity and cost of setting up a backup network, he added.
The service is suitable for customers ranging from corporates to individual consumers, and is designed to make it easy to back up files such as documents and emails, according to LogMeIn.
"In 90 seconds and three or four clicks of the mouse, you can back up My Documents remotely. It’s an order of magnitude simpler than tape backup," said Simon. Users designate the files and folders they want to backup, and schedule automated sessions, as with traditional backup tools.
Getting remote backup to work can be tricky, but LogMeIn's uses the same communications infrastructure as its remote access tool. This employs a LogMeIn internet server to act as intermediary to enable the host and remote systems to find each other.
However, Simon stressed that all communication between the two is encrypted for security. Furthermore, the backup files stored on the system acting as host are also encrypted, so only the user who owns the data can access it.
Staff in small firms might use each other's desktop PCs to back up their files, while larger firms could run a dedicate file server. The advantage of this approach is that all employees get their data securely backed up, and " configuration is no hassle for the IT department", according to Simon.
A user such as an estate agent equipped with a laptop could back up their work to the company server from anywhere with internet connectivity, LogMeIn said.
However, the initial backup is only half of the equation, said Simon. "Most backup solutions fail when it comes to recovering the data, so a lot of work has gone into making LogMeIn Backup usable and reliable," he added.
The company also offers a free tool called LogMeIn Scout that integrates with Microsoft’s Active Directory and enables administrators to enforce security policies by detecting and managing LogMeIn installations running on their network.
LogMeIn Backup requires a single 3.4MB executable on both the client and the system acting as backup host. The basic service supports 2 PCs for $6.95 (£4) per month, with additional PCs costing an additional $5.95 (£3.50) per month.
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