UK Fasthosts Adds Online Backup Service for Business Data

Fasthosts Internet Ltd, a web hosting provider, launched a online backup service designed to provide protection for business data.

Priced from only £10/month+VAT, the service can automatically backup up to 1TB of data, transferring it via SSL and storing it encrypted within a secure UK data centre. Back-ups upload only incremental changes to files meaning that bandwidth usage is kept to a minimum. The service is for small and medium sized businesses that require secure, external protection of data in a flexible and cost effective format. ‘Cloud-based’ services, such as Fasthosts Online Back-up, enable businesses to access their data from any Internet enabled computer, whilst always ensuring that data is stored and transferred with protection against any electronic or physical risks.

Fasthosts Online Back-up service fulfils a requirement for businesses in protecting valuable business data and files from loss or corruption. A common deterrent for businesses looking to protect their data can be the required investment in hardware. Fasthosts’ solution resolves this by using a scalable ‘cloud-based’ model to deliver fast and secure backup on demand, which works alongside their existing infrastructure. Furthermore, a user interface helps small business users to integrate data protection measures into their workflows.

Storage capacity is selected according to requirements and can be increased dynamically from 10 Gigabytes to 1 Terabyte. The user is not limited to specific hardware for utilising the service and can up or downscale at any time and therefore only pays for their required usage. All data backups are uploaded over SSL to provide a secure transmission, and the data is stored encrypted within the data centre. Fasthosts Online Back-up uses software to analyse files marked for backup so only incremental changes are uploaded. By sending only changes to files, the amount of data transfer is reduced, meaning lower ADSL bandwidth usage costs and time is saved.

Scheduled automatic backups will upload changes and new file versions on a regular basis and so provide continuous protection. Better protection for business critical data means that business continuity can be enhanced. The system is designed to be efficient – users can restore individual files only, as well as retrieve historical versions of files. All data is stored within the company’s UK data centres, where all operations are protected against compromise by hardware, power or network failures or site access.

Fasthosts’ service works with desktop computers, laptops, dedicated or virtual servers, and so compliments both on-premise and hosted solutions already in place. Disk imaging options and the ability to restore from any internet-connected computer enables the user to regain their data. The solution supports Windows operating systems, SQL and Exchange backups and has minimal system requirements. The dynamic nature of the solution means a small business or individual can benefit from the set of system features whilst paying for a modest data quota, and gradually increase their capacity.

Steve Holford, Marketing Director, Fasthosts Internet Ltd., said: "Our new online backup service can protect a business from the significant disruption and financial loss that can occur should the worse happen to their on-premise hardware. Fast transfer and automatic scheduling for backups now makes data protection effortless. Businesses of all sizes are now able to see that cloud-based services can lead them to become more dynamic and resilient".

All Online Back-up packages feature the same level of quality, security and up to 100Mbps connectivity. Fasthosts Online Back-up pricing comprises 10GB for £10/month+VAT, 25GB for £15/month+VAT, 50GB for £20/month+VAT, 100GB for £30/month+VAT, 250GB for £45/month+VAT, 500GB for £70/month+VAT, 750GB for £95/month+VAT, and 1TB for £115/month+VAT. Customers are offered contract options and discounts for annual payment.

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