Logical Data Solutions

Overview and History
The original utility for Data Deposit Box was created by Tim Jewell and Rob Schenkel. In 2002, Tim and Rob partnered with Jamie Brenzel to incorporate Acpana Business Systems Inc. In 2003, they launched Data Deposit Box to the general public. They are head quartered in Toronto, Canada and have a American office in New York. They offer 1 plan which provides easy, low pricing and makes Data Deposit Box extremely interesting to both individuals and businesses in search of a straightforward, smart archive solution.

Feature Set

Security
Data Deposit Box provide the best security we have come across. Your information is encoded with Blowfish 448bit encryption both during transfer and while kept in their data centers – that equals bank and military grade protection! As well as that, your files are moved using a special protocol invented specifically for web backup.

On top of that you have your own logon details which create a unique encryption key and ensure that no one – not even the administrators at Data Deposit Box – can access your files.
As for their servers, your data is stored in a carrier grade (that’s the highest version) data center with redundant hardware at every level, fire suppression systems and 24×7 real guards.

Archiving Features
Data Deposit Box hold a patent on their Continuous Backup System which waits for files to be amended, removes the alterations, shrinks them, encrypts them and safely transports them to their data centers. This allows for faster backups and permits open files such as Outlook to be backed up without closing the program first.

File versioning is built-in: Initially 3 versions of all files is kept, but this can be upped to a maximum of 28 versions if so desired. Yet, each version – which just contains the amendments from the last version – does count towards your storage amount.

Initially, Data Deposit Box automatically chooses several folders in your local profile: My Documents, Desktop, Favorites, and Outlook Express. You can easily alter, add or delete folders from the backup list by using the client software.

Restore Features
Restores are real easy, just right-click the Data Deposit Box icon in the system tray and click Restore. Then navigate to the folder you need to recover, right-click and select restore.
Previous versions of files can be restored via the online portal.

Control and Analysis
There is a nice feature called: ‘Backup and Resume’: Backups automatically wait when the keyboard or mouse is active to allow more CPU speed and internet bandwidth. When the keyboard and mouse have been unused for a while, the backup starts from where it left off.

Interface
The client software interface is rather old-style – almost to the point of retro – and looks very corporate. But, it works well, is low on resource usage and provides you all the information you need.

The web portal is rather prettier but still feels very corporate. Nevertheless, it does provide a wealth of information and configuration options. There is even a Corporate Administration section where you can manage all the users you would like to use the service.

The reporting section shows precisely what has been backed up and when. The My Data area provides a straightforward tree navigation system to hunt down any of your archived files along with a search function.

Device Support
Currently there is support for MACs and PCs via the desktop. Any web connected device can access the backed up data but the devices are unable to be backed up themselves.

Limitations
The more you archive, the more you pay.

File Sharing and Collaboration
Private file sharing is available from the internet portal and can be enabled on single files or entire folders. Each share can be allocated a unique password and this can be emailed out along with a unique web address to allow access to the specific files and folders you wish shared. There is also an internet photo album feature that can be shared in the same way. In both cases, files can be viewed and downloaded but not altered.

Public file sharing and file collaboration is unavailable.

Synchronization
Synchronization is only available from the desktop software to the online portal. Not between devices.

Web 2.0 Integration
None.

Customer Support
Phone support is available during business hours. There is a lack of live chat, forum or blog. But you can get in touch with support by way of email or by completing the online form. They seem very keen on self-help and offer a detailed knowledge-base / FAQs section. There are also testimonials, tutorials, a demo and webinars available.

There isn’t a free version, but there is a 15 day trial.

Ease of Use
Both the web and client interfaces are easy to navigate around and use. Once configured, you really do not see the desktop client working accept for the icon in the system tray gently blinking to inform you a backup is in progress. There are tons of options available, however, it is well laid out and looks great – if a bit retro.

Cost

Initial setup: free
Monthly Cost: $2 / Gb / mth
Initial permitted storage amount: unlimited
Cost of additional storage: $2 / Gb / Mth
Cost of additional devices / PCs / users: unlimited
Referral Program: Yes. $10 is credited to your account and the account of the people you refer once they pay their first invoice.
E-billing facility: Yes
Hidden cost: File versions add towards your storage usage, therefore only set versioning to the amount you actually need.

Conclusion
Overall Data Deposit Box is a solid, extremely secure web archive service. The client’s look and feel is a bit dated but it has that ‘built to last’ feel which gives the impression that this utility will never fail and will last forever. The backup features are great, although the lack of an ability to schedule backups is a bit unusual. When testing, the first backup of 2Gb of data took a long time: Over 4 hours, however this has to be weighed against the point that there was almost no processor or bandwidth reduction because the client stops whenever you use the PC.
The pricing is good if you have a small amount of data that needs protecting on several machines. If you have lots of data then this solution could get quite expensive. Also you will need to monitor data expansion if you would like to control costs.

The private sharing and photo album functionality are nice touches yet it would be an improvement to see this expanded by linking with online document services such as Google Docs and Zoho as well as photo editing services.

As a final summary I would say that Data Deposit Box is a great solution if you have a small amount of data spread across many machines. If you have a lot of data then there are cheaper solutions available.