The Lab’s centralized computer backup service operated by the Computing Infrastructure Support (CIS) Department has been launching new services and expanding existing ones over the past year. Here is an overview of the range of backup services now available.

While the typical cost of desktop computer backup services ranges from $20 to $40 a month, the cost of not backing up data can be a lot more expensive. Chris Manders, head of the Backup Services, recalled that when one group lost several years of critical data, one staff member spent about six months writing a program that would reconstruct all the deleted files on the affected computer. “In considering the cost of a backup service, it’s also important to factor in the cost of recreating files and data in the event of accidental erasure, disk crashes, fire, earthquake or similar problem.”

The Backup Services Group now offers:

“If you need help setting up backups we will come out and install the backup client software for you or help you install the software by phone,” Manders said. The backup client software is available for self-service via the Web.

The scope of the backup can also be customized so that the cost is as low as possible. This backup customization service is free. Most typical desktop machines backing up only their documents will cost about $20-$40 per month.

The backup service price is $10 per gigabyte for the first 50 gigabytes per month, then $2 per gigabyte after that (of data transferred after compression). There is also a $10 per month service fee.

“We also provide services to run your own Veritas Netbackup environment for you or send your own backup media offsite to our secure and environmentally controlled storage facility,” Manders said.

More information is available on the Web, via email or by phone at 510-495-BKUP (x2587).

For self-service signup, visit the signup page.