Opinion: No Excuses for No Backup

Network World — Your mobile workers may not back up their files as much as you'd like. Many in-office workers can usually back up their data to a network drive or a USB-attached device (like the very cool Seagate Replica). Portable hard drives have been around for a while, but some recent ones include very easy-to-use automatic backup features, giving mobile workers no excuses for not backing up their systems. Here are two devices I like:

The scoop: BlackArmor PS110, by Seagate, about $160 (for 500GB version)

What it is: A portable hard drive, the BlackArmor PS110 offers 500GB of data capacity and connects quickly and easily to a USB 2.0 port. On the device is Seagate's BlackArmor Backup Software, which includes options for full-system or incremental automatic backup (you can also schedule your own backup time), full system recovery (Bare Metal Restore) and both file- and folder-level encryption.

Why it's cool: The portability and ease of use really make this an option for mobile workers who need reliable backup while they're away from the office (and any in-house backup systems/options), and the encryption offers provides them with the ability to protect their data in case the device gets lost or stolen. The black design and solid casing makes it scream that it's for business workers (no fancy pink here!).

Some caveats: When conducting a backup, I would have liked the ability to see my progress and to know how much time was left.

Grade: 4.5 stars (out of five).

The scoop: ClickFree Traveler (FL160), by Storage Appliance, about $80 (for 16GB).

What it is: About the size of a credit card, this ultrathin hard drive is designed for mobile workers to quickly and easily back up their notebooks. The USB port slides out from the side of the device (no additional cables to worry about) and included software includes the backup features, including file types to save, as well as full-folder backup.

Why it's cool: The ability to pick and choose file types (for example, back up only photos or music) has its merits, especially if you have those files scattered across different directories. You may not want to do a complete notebook backup, but just to protect your photos and/or music, so that's a nice option. The super-thin size makes it very appealing to the mobile worker. A handy reminder application can be installed on the user's notebook which pops up to give gentle reminders to complete a backup.

Some caveats: The device's thin size is a double-edged sword. The USB cable is wafer thin, and could snap off with heavy or rough use. While I understand the portability comes with an extra price, $80 for 16GB seems high when you can buy the BlackArmor for twice that and get 500GB instead of just 16GB.

Grade: 3 stars.