Can I backup open and locked files?
A. In the case of many backup software programs, files and databases that are in use during the backup may not get backed up successfully because they are locked to prevent any other program from altering the data. To solve this problem, Spheritec's Online Backup can be used with the optional Spheritec Open File Manager program to make sure that these open and locked files get backed up successfully.
Can I upgrade the amount of users using my original license?
Yes. You can increase the number of allowable users on your backup service by upgrading your Datagard license. Contact one of our representatives for pricing and to upgrade.
Can we remotely manage our Spheritec server administration?
Yes. With Datagard’s new Remote Manager you can manage all of your Datagard Backup Servers from any central location. As an extension to Datagard Backup Server Configuration Manager, you can remotely manage and communicate with more than one backup server to create centralized management from anywhere in the world. Configure user access, display server status, search for account, review server logs and more. To find out more information on Remote Manager, click here.
Can we try the software before we buy it?
Sure! You can download a 5 day trial of our online backup service, or you can send us an email at datagard@hotkey.net.au to discuss which of our packages are right for you.
Can you backup other platforms with my Spheritec Client software?
Datagard Client software will only run natively on Windows 98SE, Me, NT 4.0, 2000, 2003 (.NET) and XP. If you want to backup computers with other operating systems, it is possible. Here's how... Since Spheritec Client supports mapped network drives and the Network Neighborhood, it can backup data from any computer that is accessible via the network. A single Datagard Client can backup the local computer and any number of local or remote network computers using Datagard’s powerful user interface.
Do you have a chart for Bandwidth requirements?
It's very difficult to analyse those requirements because of all the variables added by FastBIT. However, the basic formula is pretty simple:
Take the expected size, in MB's, of the data you might see in a day, divide it by the amount of seconds in the day and divide that number by 8 to obtain MB/Sec Bandwidth. This will result in the required bandwidth (MB/Sec) needed to sustain 100% load throughout the day.
Example:
Let's say we have 500 users sending us an average of 600MB per month (this is about what we see at the Spheritec Online Centre), then the formula follows:
600MB * 500Users = 300000MB (300GB) / 30days (per month) = 10000MB Per Day (10GB) / 86400seconds (1 day) = 115.74Kb/sec * 8 (to convert to MB/Sec) = .93MB/Sec or about 61% of a full T1.
Of course, this assumes that you have full saturation throughout the day, which isn't going to happen. It typically gets a bit peaky around noon and around midnight, so to accommodate the mean, you should probably have a 30% overhead, which in the above case, would translate to just about a full T1 (1.5MB/Sec).
Does it make sense to use online backup if I have a slow internet connection?
Depending on the speed of your connection and the size of your backup, your initial backup over the Internet may take several hours. Many people with large backup sizes and slower Internet connections will often run their first backup over the weekend.
Once the first backup is completed, each subsequent backup is usually a small amount of data that can be backed up in just minutes over a slower dialup connection.
Our software can also resume a cancelled backup, so you can start the backup during your slow times and cancel it during your busy times. The next time you start the backup, it will pick up from where it was cancelled until the entire backup is complete.
How do I cancel my online backup service?
We never like to see anyone cancel their online service, but in the event you must cancel your service, please notify us in writing, received by us not less than seven days before your regular billing date in which case we will not issue any invoice for any period after the end of your then current billing cycle.
You may also call us on 1300 130 110 to speak with someone regarding the cancellation of your online backup service.
How do I upgrade licensing for an increased number of online backup service users?
Since the Datagard Server manages all the licensing, any changes in licensing must be done on the system running the Spheritec software, in the Backup Server Configuration Manager.
How do you delete files from the Backup server?
In order to control how much data is stored on the online backup server, your online backup software allows you to view all of the data stored on the server and selectively remove files from the server. To view the data stored under your account, run your online backup software and click on the folder tab labeled "Restore". In the left windowpane, Right-Click on the Desktop icon and select "Get Volume List from Server". This will show you each computer that has been backed up to your account. Now you can navigate the folders to see what data is stored on the server. To delete files, click on the button with the Red "X" to enable the Delete Files mode. Mark any files you wish to delete by clicking your mouse in the empty box next to the file(s) you wish to delete. Click the "Delete Files Now" to issue the command to delete the selected files from the server. WARNING: Once a file is deleted from the server, it can no longer be restored.
How does the licensing work?
The client and server software are NOT sold separately. Since a Spheritec Client must communicate with a Spheritec Server, all of the licensing is controlled on the server. Licensing is managed on a "per computer" basis. This means a 10-user Spheritec license will allow 10 computers to backup to the Spheritec Server. These 10 licenses can be used in any combination, such as 10 users, each backing up only their local system or 2 users backing up 5 computers each, etc.
If I change my secret key, can I still restore old data?
When you change the secret key, the previous secret key (and all keys before it if any) is encrypted together using the latest secret key. This way, you need only remember the latest key and do not have to be troubled with remembering, potentially, many keys from past changes. See this flowchart for more on the logic behind the secret key.
Should you also have a local backup?
It's up to you. We encourage people to do both local and remote backup for absolute protection. Users that want an added level of protection will perform local backups in addition to their online backup. Local backups can allow you to backup ALL of your files, while the online backup is a great way to automatically store your critical files off-site. When it comes to your important data, you can never be too safe. Since everyone has different needs, we sell a wide variety of backup software and services to help you find the one that best fits your needs. Visit www.hotkey.net.au to view all of our great backup and data protection products.
What do you do if there is trouble connecting to the server or performing a backup?
Contact our technical support at 1300 130 110 for assistance.
What files should you select?
Since your entire hard drive is likely to be much larger than the amount of storage you have purchased on the backup server, you should be selective in the files that you choose for backup. In general, you can avoid backing up any programs that you can reinstall from a purchased CD, such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.). Why pay for storage for "stuff" you can easily re-install? Try to focus your selection on things like your "My Documents", "My Pictures" or "My Music" folders and data files of your important programs like accounting, income tax, contact management, etc. Your online backup software comes with predefined filters, which allow you to automatically select categories of files without knowing where all the files are located. Check the online help for Filters to learn how they can be used.
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