You need three things to start this service:
The Remote Backup software is key. When you sign up with our RBS, DataThought Consulting LLC will perform a system checkup, install our custom software, and, depending on the size, perform a full backup of your system. We will configure the software according to your specifications. ( When you download the software yourself, you will have to install and configure software first of course.) The backup procedure then commences.
The software is capable of doing two types of backups. Which files will be backed-up depends on the selections you make during configuration and which type of backup event is taking place. Either backup type can be started automatically on a schedule or manually.
The software includes built-in compression to reduce the amount of data which needs to be transmitted to the data center. Different data types compress better than others. The compression will reduce text and spreadsheet documents by as much as 80% and even database files by up to 60% in some cases. Typically, graphics files do not compress much and already compressed files will not compress any further.
Once files are compressed into archives, each archive file is encrypted. The software includes 128bit DES for U.S. and Canadian users (other encryption types available.)
This is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. The files can only be restored when given the correct "Encryption Key". You MUST NOT LOSE the "Key". We cannot help you if it is lost, there is no back-door into the files. When registering the account, you must make a back up disk of the recovery key and store it in a safe place such as a bank deposit box or somewhere else safe and off-site. We do not have a copy of the "Key"!!
Some users change "Keys" from time to time as an added security measure. This is fine. The software allows you to change as often as you like. It is important that you always keep track of the latest "Key". Without the most recent key, you will not be able to recover any data.
Clients are often concerned that we might have access to their data. We don't. We can't. We wouldn't if we could. We wouldn't last two weeks in this business if we did.
Once files are encrypted, the catalog of files is updated, compressed and encrypted itself. The catalog information includes each individual file's details including it's original location, which archive file it is stored in, and more. This information is imperative in order to recover the file later.
At this point your backup is ready for transport. Most users will connect via the Internet. The software will use whatever Internet connection you have and have specified during configuration. ( Direct-dial options are also available, just ask and we can set a specified time for this. )
If you have a fixed connection, the software will recognize the connection and use it. Your connection speed will determine how long it takes to transfer your data. This is only an issue if you have a very large data volume and a slow connection using a telephone line. Obviously this would tie up the line for the duration of the backup.
Once your machine is connected to the Internet, the software contacts the data server and performs a series of identification checks. When the server is satisfied that the machine is a DataThought Consulting client and the account is in good standing, your data is transmitted to the server.
When the transfer is complete the software disconnects from the DTC server. If your system was not already connected to the Internet when the backup event started, it will automatically close the dial-up connection.
There are other connection methods and software versions for clients with specialized needs. Please contact DataThought Consulting with your requirements so we can assist you.
Once the transfer is complete, the software checks to see that all the files were successfully sent and builds a log of the session. If there was an interruption during the connection, any files that didn't get transferred are held until the next backup connection and all the others are deleted.
The logs include a detailed step-by-step description of each backup event. They can be checked at any time from within the software so you can easily track how much time and space your backup is taking.
After writing the log, the software looks for the next scheduled event and unloads all but the launcher until that time. When the backup is not actually in the process of working the software uses very little resources.. just a timer waiting to start the process again.
