SpiderOak Review: A Quick Glance at an Online Backup Service

Sep 13
08:10

2011

Travis Van Slooten

Travis Van Slooten

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When it comes to online backup, there are those considered as household names like Carbonite and Mozy. On the other hand, there are also those lesser known services like SpiderOak Online Backup. The question, should this backup solution be on your short list? Let's find out in this SpiderOak review.

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In your quest for an online backup service,SpiderOak Review: A Quick Glance at an Online Backup Service  Articles SpiderOak should be on your list of possibilities. This backup service offers a wide variety of features and when you are searching for a backup provider, features are the key to making a choice. This SpiderOak Review will cover the basics about the service so you can see at a glance if it is suitable for your storage and backup needs. 
Features
SpiderOak features include: mobile and remote access, file searching and archiving, and file sharing, syncing and versioning. With 128-bit security and encryption and password creation taking place on the computer, SpiderOak demonstrates its commitment to security. Another important feature to consider is compatibility and SpiderOak is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems. If you need a service that places a high priority on customer support, SpiderOak appears to do just that. They offer live chat, phone and email support for their customers. This particular feature is a plus in a world that tends to put customer service on the back burner. Pros and Cons
SpiderOak supports multiple computers, making it easy to backup your home PC, as well as your laptop and work computer. With file syncing and sharing, you can apply changes to files across all of your devices, as well as share files with coworkers, family and friends. Some of the disadvantages to SpiderOak include a more complicated user interface and the potential for the software to use more of your computer's resources. The service also does not allow for scheduled and automatic backups, meaning you have to manually initiate the backup process. However, SpiderOak is currently addressing this non-existent feature and may change things in the future. Storage and Pricing
SpiderOak offers an unlimited amount of storage, a useful feature if you have large storage needs. At the time of this writing, their subscription plans are simple: the free plan includes 2GB of storage at no cost and the 100GB plan is $100 per year. You can also purchase additional storage in increments of 100GB for an extra $10/month or $100/year. 
Is SpiderOak Right for You?
SpiderOak is designed for the user that needs multiple computer support, as well as multiple operating system support. Their simple pricing plan can be either an advantage or a disadvantage – if you have small storage needs, it is either all or next to nothing with only 2GB and 100GB to choose from. However, if your storage needs are large, the price for 100GB of storage is reasonable and you can upgrade your space as much as you are willing to pay for. SpiderOak seems to be useful for average home users, as well as small businesses. The file sharing and syncing options make it easy to collaborate with coworkers. On the other hand, the clunky interface can be a bit confusing for the average user, especially in comparison with competing online backup services that offer much easier interfaces. Ultimately, the final decision is yours and should be based on your budget and your personal storage needs.