Online backup systems are typically built around a client software program that runs on a schedule, typically once a day. This program collects, compresses, encrypts, and transfers the data to the remote backup service provider's servers. Other types of product are also available in the market, such as remote continuous data protection (CDP).

Providers of this type of service frequently target specific market segments. High-end LAN-based backup systems may offer services such as near-realtime transaction-level replication or open file backups. Consumer online backup companies frequently have beta software offerings and/or free-trial backup services.

1. No user intervention is required. This can be beneficial in more ways than the obvious. With legacy tape, drive and disk storage devices 1 or more employees need to devote company time to the scheduling and process of daily or weekly backup of multiple points of failure and critical systems. Moreover it was typically not in the employees job description and being solely responsible for the future of the company in the event of a failure can be emotionally cumbersome.

2. Remote Backup Facilities are, as defined, offsite. Although most companies perform some type of backup on the server or workstation level the devices are typically stored onsite and are rarely physically removed to another location. Ironically this doesn't protect against the most brutal data destroyers: fire, theft and other natural disasters.

3. Some Remote Backup Services may work to continuously backup more recent versions of your files, thus you will always have access to the most recently stored copy.

4. Most modern Online Backup Services typically use 128-448 bit encryption and upload and download optimized low bandwidth packages over a secure https connection.

Online backup services are usually priced as a function of the following things:

1. The total amount of data being backed up.

2. The number of workstations or servers connecting to the backup service.

3. The maximum number of versions of each file that are kept.

4. The level of support the Remote Backup Service provides the client.

The fourth of which has been abandoned by the leaders of the pack to compete in the coveted 'Gigs for the Buck' race. If you are new to Remote Backup Services having 100 Gigs of space for half the price won't help you much if you are backing up the wrong files or haven't set up the service properly. There are a few remaining and up-and-comers like absorb.com that cost a bit more, but base their pricing around unsurpassed support and a free remote install.

Remember: No large investment is required for purchasing new equipment. There are no ongoing media costs or staffing costs, residual costs are limited soley to recurring monthly fees. Setup and installation is a simple matter of downloading the software, and takes only a few minutes to set up. Data recovery is equally fast, as there is no searching for the right tape or waiting for IT staff to recover lost data.