Group Logic has announced a partnership with Symantec in developing a file system archival (FSA) scheme for Mac-based organizations. The arrangement combines Symantec's Enterprise Vault with Group Logic's ArchiveConnect, and promises to reduce storage costs as much as 60 percent.
Dropbox has released an application for the iPhone and iPod touch that allows users to access or manage content from their Dropbox accounts. From the mobile interface, users can view or download files, take photos or videos and upload them to the Dropbox, share links to files, or sync downloaded files to keep the desktop and mobile systems up-to-date.
Arkeia has launched Arkeia Network Backup 8.1, an update to its cross-platform backup software. Version 8.1 brings Snow Leopard compatibility and Custom Restore Objects (CROs) that give system admins the ability to assign restoration rights, enabling end users to restore their own systems. With CROs in place, users can recover a volume without requiring IT workers and without the delays of waiting for assistance.
Backblaze is in the business of providing online backup service and, by extension, wound up in the hardware business. Upset with the high cost of storage devices, the company designed and built it's own 67TB storage modules for about $7867 (materials alone) each. Now, CEO Gleb Budman says Backblaze is giving away the design, hoping the open approach will lead to improvements or inspire a separate company to build the boxes so Backblaze doesn't have to.
Shirt Pocket has released SuperDuper 2.6, an update of its Mac OS X system recovery software. The primary changes in version 2.6 is Snow Leopard compatibility; however, it also offers "Backup on connect," which enables a user to automatically configure the software to backup to a drive any time it is connected.
Buffalo Technology on Tuesday announced its latest storage product, the rackmount TeraStation III, aimed at small- to medium-size businesses. The network device is built on the same platform as the company's standalone TeraStation III, with support for hot swapping, replication, NFS, Active Directory and Time Machine backup. Users can configure the drives in RAID arrays or apply disk encryption for sensitive data.
Kroll Ontrack has unveiled a new Apple-based Data Recovery Portal. The service recovers lost or damaged data for operating systems, servers, applications, files, and iPhones and iPods. The portal is specifically targeted at Apple Service Providers, permitting customers to retrieve information from anywhere in the world.
EMC has released Retrospect 8.1 for the Mac, which now runs on PowerPC systems. The new version also includes minor interface improvements, and performance increases for Intel Mac users of up to 15 percent over version 8, and 30 to 35 percent over v6.1.
The Tolis Group has released v2.0 of its BRU Server. The application is used to backup data stored on Mac, Windows, Linux and Solaris networks. The latest version features a new user interface, and client-level backup and restore functions that can be initiated by users, negating the need for administrator involvement. Version 2.0 also has an optional Encryption Module add-on, for encrypted backups using archival hardware.
SpiderOak has announced that its new online backup service is now available. The system is claimed to utilize different technology than other common backup services, such as Dropbox, and provides a single tool that consolidates backup, synchronization, sharing, remote access and storage functions. Instead of requiring users to put files into a folder to be replicated on other devices, SpiderOak enables groups of folders to be uploaded from any networked computers or external drives without modifying the folder structure. The backup also boasts file protection for synced or non-synced content, eliminating unnecessary transfers by keeping backup and sync functions separate.
iSkysoft has released the full version of DVD-Library software, used to backup movies to a Mac or portable hard disk as separate ISO images. Files retain a DVD's content protection and digital quality, but can be still be watched on a computer. The DVD Boxes feature adds a cover image, disc information and custom organization.
Smith Micro has announced CheckIt 2, a new program meant to optimize a Mac's performance. The title combines five utilities into a single package, including TechTool Platinum, Spring Cleaning, EMC Retrospect Express, Executive Sync and StuffIt Standard. Users can diagnose and fix hard drive issues, manage file clutter, backup content and compress files to save space. Functions unrelated to performance include file encryption and synchronization.
app4mac has released a beta version of a new online backup application, Twin 1.0. The program is compatible with several formats, including FTP, Amazon S3, MobileMe and others. It also offers 256-bit AES encryption, and backup to external drives should a computer be offline.
Backblaze has opened its $5-per-month backup service to Macs, touting simplicity and automatic support for external hard drives. The service is said to use military-grade encryption, and offer emergency overnight back-ups on USB hard drives or DVDs. In a field crowded with competitors such as Mozy, Carbonite and iDrive, Backblaze is banking on its "effortless" client, which backs up critical files whenever it detects an active Internet connection. All files are selected automatically, except for the operating system, applications, temporary files and any over 4GB.
Carbonite has expanded its online backup service to support Mac systems. Individual users or small businesses can automatically back up an unlimited amount of data. The software runs in the background, continually copying new or changed files to the company's servers. Data is encrypted when it leaves the local computer, where it is then transferred to the secure data centers using the SSL protocol.
A combination online and offline backup utility, Persistence, has launched in commercial beta form, its developer says. While able to back up to iDisk, external hard drives or USB flash sticks, the app is designed primarily to handle large file transfers, ranging into hundreds of gigabytes. All metadata is retained, including Finder data and Unix permissions, and signatures are assigned to each file for later verification during the restore process.
In brief: A long-time Macintosh fan is currently looking to raise some money to pay for a surgery by selling off his collection of Mac memorabilia. Houdah Software and locr have come together to release a special version of Houdah Geo that integrates support with the locr community for sharing geotagged photos. Meanwhile, users who are looking for alternative backup options may find the MozyHome online backup service to be just what they need. MacNN has tested out this option and posted its thoughts in a review which rewarded the service with three stars out of five.
CrushSync has released v1.1 of its self-titled backup software. Data is copied to a secondary location, whether on local, network or remote storage; automatic schedules can be arranged to avoid manual effort. Distinguishing the app is support for two-way synchronization, which can be used to ensure that both sources and destinations have the most recent versions of any given file.
Information Appliance Associates has announced PocketMac Backup for SalesForce, an application used to backup a user's SalesForce data. The program is able to automatically grab contacts from a SalesForce account, and save them to Address Book every 15 minutes. This ensures access to SalesForce information without an Internet connection.
Zevrix Solutions has released the latest version of its data backup software, Instant Backup 1.5. The update adds the ability to back up a selected file or folder directly from the system-wide Instant Backup menu. A number of bugs have also been fixed, including a problem that would cause a menu to disappear and another issue regarding duplicate default backups.
Xnet Communications has released Captain FTP 6, the latest version of its file transfer and automation program. The update adds support for Amazon's S3 backup service, along with synchronization scheduling and WebDav editing for remote documents. Users can now automatically e-mail a URL link to a remote file or folder, or add duplicate entries in the address book. The program also allows offline browsing and file listing from Amazon or WebDav. Several bugs have been fixed, including a cache issue that would crash during browsing and a problem that caused the application to use 100 percent of the processor resources.
Phanfare has released an update to its photo- and video-sharing application for the iPhone and iPod touch, Phanfare Photon 1.8. As with the previous version, owners can upload content to the Phanfare website, where it can be downloaded to other devices or stored as a backup copy. The update includes features such as bulk uploading, image stabilization, photo and video slideshows with music, and more photo-editing capabilities.
External hard disks are inexpensive enough that ideally, everyone would have one to backup their data. At the low-end it's possible to just cram a hard drive into an external enclosure, but if you prefer a more sophisticated solution, you’ll probably be happier with a dedicated drive. One such device -- marketed towards audio and video professionals, but usable by anyone -- is EZQuest’s Thunder Pro Drive.
Synectics Business Solutions has announced a new business-version of its BackJack web-based backup service. The new product, version 5.1, was built from the previous enterprise variant but offers an improved account manager for controlling account information, internal support, storage and user-privilege management. The service features 128-bit CAST encryption for data protection, a single-window interface, block-level incremental backups and automatic software updates.
Applicorn has launched the latest version of its multipurpose system-utility for Mac, Xupport 3.5.0. The program provides tools that allow users to increase system security and configure hidden Mac OS X and Unix features, while adding more system-cleaning and backup capabilities. The update features maintenance and performance improvements designed to increase application speed and enable faster launch on Intel Macs, while additional network-optimization settings can be used to enhance download performance.
Econ Technologies has released ChronoSync 4.0, an update to its automated synchronization and backup application for Mac OS X as well as releases a new companion product ChronoAgent 1.0 for Mac. ChronoSync can be used to synchronize or backup documents -- at scheduled or triggered times -- either between folders on your Mac, other Macs, PCs, or external drives, etc.; users can setup schedules to automatically mount volumes. ChronoSync 4.0 adds many new features, most notably bootable backups, full Admin access, and faster synchronizations, while the new ChronoAgent that runs on the destination Mac and communicates directly with ChronoSync for full root access to the destination Mac.
EMC has released the latest version of its backup and recovery software, Retrospect 8.0. The update offers a redesigned user interface along with a new engine and improved architecture. The console now features elements inspired by iTunes and Mac OS X Server Admin, with new tools to help users learn basic operations. The program is built with modular components, allowing remote management of multiple Retrospect servers from a single window. The new engine is capable of simultaneous backup, restore and copy tasks.
Western Digital has launched two new external hard drives, oriented specifically at Mac users: the My Passport for Mac and My Book Mac Edition. Though only supporting USB 2.0 and not FireWire, the drives are pre-formatted for Macs and advertised as supporting Time Machine as well as other Mac backup software. The My Passport is a general-purpose portable drive, set inside a shock-resistant enclosure; 320 and 500GB versions are available.
danholt4mac has posted Get BackUp 2, an updated version of its key backup utility. The software is able to both save and restore data, and can be set to run backup creation automatically. The second major release introduces file and folder synchronization, which keeps a variety of content consistent between multiple computers, such as contacts and e-mail messages.
Having recently completed a beta period, Mozy has announced the formal debut of MozyPro for Mac, its pro-level online backup service. The service is intended for businesses based on Mac computers, and automatically backs up desktops, servers and notebooks to protect against accidental data loss. Data is encrypted against theft, and managed from a web-based console.
Backblaze has revealed a beta version of its automated web-based backup service for Mac. The program allows users to create a detailed backup of all information on a computer and then save it in the Backblaze Datacenter. If any data needs to be restored, customers can either download it online or have it delivered on a DVD or USB drive. The service automatically updates any stored files, while leaving an option to disregard any information that is less important.
TRI-EDRE has released a beta version of Back-In-Time, a utility meant to act as a complement to Apple's Time Machine. Users are able to perform functions not directly supported within Time Machine, such as basic drag-and-drop copying of files from backup, and restoring to locations other than the original folders. It can also determine how many versions of a file are in storage, and when a file was deleted.
SpiderOak has announced the latest version of its backup service suite for personal and business use, SpiderOak 2.0. The update is claimed to increase the application speed fourfold, while also quickening file retrieval and using less memory during backups or browsing. The system uses a "SuperCloud" structure to offer a centralized server location for storage of files. Users can access the information from any computer with an internet connection, including historical versions of deleted files.
Smith Micro says it is now shipping ExecutiveSync, a synchronization program for the Mac. Unlike iSync, which copies only basic information such as contacts, ExecutiveSync is used to keep files and folders consistent between multiple locations, including Macs, iPods, backup drives and remote servers. The program changes only altered files, attempting to keep them all as current as possible.
MildMannered Industries has posted a v1.4 update to Baseline, its Mac disk utility. The software is used to provide a detailed analysis of disk space, including not just drives but the amount consumed by individual files and folders. The software can also compare scans to detect changes in file structure, and similarly point out duplicate files for future deletion.
Mozy has launched a new online backup service intended for businesses, MozyPro for Mac. It is currently in beta form, offering backup services for businesses that rely on Mac desktops, notebooks and servers. It represents an extension of MozyHome, and allows businesses using either Mac OS X or Windows to backup all computers while managing both backup and restore processes from a web-based administration console. MozyPro also supports iCal Server, Mail Services and Directory on Mac OS X Server and Exchange, and SQL Server and Active Directory on Windows Server.
A new partnership has been formed that will see Intego's backup software included with all of LaCie's new storage devices. Intego will be providing two backup programs, Backup Assistant and Backup Manager Pro, both derived from Personal Backup X5. Assistant will be included with all LaCie hard drives and some of its network storage devices, and Manager Pro will be provided with LaCie’s professional network storage devices.
TRI-EDRE has announced Tri-BACKUP 5.1.0, an update to its backup software for the Mac. The new v5.1.0 adds FTP backup enhancements, improvements to e-mail notifications, a check-settings function and a simple mode for quick backups. It also adds special alerts for any time the free space on a start-up or destination volume falls below 10 percent.
Intego's Personal Backup X5 has been updated to v10.5.2, adding backup to and from FTP and SFTP servers. It also adds a new interface and an improved dashboard widget for launching and monitoring backup scripts. The backup solution offers initial and automated backup options, making backups on numerous media (CD, DVD, USB key drives, external hard drives, Airport volumes, iPods and more). X5 has drag-and-drop simplicity yet can expand to more advanced modes, with scripting and actions for multiple backups and schedules. It also offers file synchronization across two computers.
Iomega has added a new downloadable software bundle to their external hard drive offerings, that combines EMC's Retrospect Express backup and recovery software with Mozy's online backup service. Iomega is calling the new package a 'total storage solution' in one box. New purchasers of Iomega hard drives will be able to download a free license of Retrospect Express for Macintosh 6.1, and gain access to a free MozyHome 2GB account. An offer of unlimited MozyHome online storage for $5 per month is also available. The new bundle will ship with Iomega external hard drives later this month in the US, with international availability later in the Summer.
