Notebook users fearful of losing valuable data while out of the office can now back up their files remotely. IBM is to introduce new software that provides continual back up of data through wireless connections.
Although Big Blue sold its PC division to Lenovo earlier this year, it retains an interest in looking after its corporate customers who have a big investment in mobile technology. IBM says that the software, known as the Tivoli Continuous Data Protection for Files, is a ‘data safety net’ that provides real-time back up for important information held on the laptop’s hard disk. This can be anything from business data such as Word documents or presentations to more personal files such as music files or digital photos.
Until recently, such technology was not practical. However, the widespread introduction of wireless hotspots throughout many cities offering broadband speeds means that continuous backup of the kind previously associated with deskbound network connections is now possible.
IBM says the software has been designed with non-technical users in mind. The company claims that installation takes a few minutes and walks users through a few simple steps, from determining where the data should be saved on the laptop, to configuring the remote server to receive the copy.
Once installed, the software creates a copy of a file on the local machine within milliseconds, and then transmits another copy to a remote server. Once backed up, the software can restore files that are corrupted or accidentally deleted, back to any point in time.
IBM says that Tivoli Continuous Data Protection for Files will be available on September 16, 2005, at $35 per laptop or desktop, and $995 per server processor. The software will be sold direct through IBM and IBM business partners.
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