A. Well, think about this: If you lost a key file, would you be able to create it again from scratch? How long would that take? What would happen to your business in the meantime?

Every day, businesses lose vital information to hard drive failure, viruses, and accidental deletions. Not to mention the possibilities of theft, natural disasters, or just losing a laptop at the airport or in a cab. Automatic, online, offsite backup means you can always get your files back quickly, regardless of what happens to the machine they're stored on.

A. Backup has come a long way from the days when you had to do it all yourself. There are six big reasons why online backup is better.

1. Onecion backups happen automatically. If / when you need to recover data (and you never know when that will be), you'll have everything you selected to backup from the last time you were online.
2. You don't have to store anything offsite, or worry about losing your backup files to the same disaster that destroys the originals. Onecion Online Backup provides disaster recovery.
3. Backing up to removable devices - tapes, hard drives, CDs, DVDs - runs the risk of the backups failing. Not an issue with Onecion Online Backup.
4. Onecion Online Backup scales up to fit your needs. You need more space? Easy.
5. Recovery is a lot easier with Onecion Online Backup. See Restoring Files.
6. No hardware investment. Onecion Online Backup requires just a computer and an Internet connection.

A. No, these two terms are used interchangeably. Of course, there's a difference between online backup services. We recommend Onecion Online Backup. See below.

A. While we could fill up the whole site with reasons, there are fundamentally three reasons why you should choose our solution.

1. Onecion makes the benefits and features of backup systems used by Fortune 500 companies accessible to organizations of any size. Our intuitive file recovery means you can get back a lost file immediately after you realize it's gone. Onecion Online Backup is secure, reliable, automatic, offsite, online backup just like the titans of industry use.
2. We are all about customer service. You phone us, we pick up the phone. This helps us to both answer your questions, and to better understand your needs so we can make Onecion Online Backup even better, which is why we're here in the first place. See some of Customer Testimonials for more on this.
3. We're the one designed for and dedicated to business users. So if you have a specific concern or problem or need, we hear where you're coming from. Because that's our neighborhood too.

A. You sign up for it (here, if you haven't already), and then download and install the Onecion Online Backup software onto your computer. Once the software is installed, it remains in your system background. Following step-by-step instructions, you create backup sets telling Onecion Online Backup what files and folders you want to backup, and when (what days and times) you want to back them up. From then on, backups occur automatically.

When a backup begins, the Onecion software searches all the folders and files in your backup sets. All new files and all the files that changed since the last backup are compressed, encrypted, and sent to the secure Onecion Data Centers.You can restore files at any time by opening the software and selecting which ones you need. If you ever suffer a system failure, you have the option of reinstalling the software and then restoring all your files.

A. As many as you want. By default, Onecion Online Backup is set up to save 10 versions, but the software includes a wizard that allows you to manage how old versions are handled, giving you control over backups and storage space.

A. You have the option of receiving an email notification that's sent automatically after every successful backup. You can turn this option on or off at any time. In addition, the Onecion Online Backup software keeps a log of every file that was backed up, and you can view or search this log at any time.

A. Onecion Online Backup gives you two methods of choosing files to backup:

1. You can choose folders to backup (such as 'My Documents'), or
2. You can select files by file type (i.e. Microsoft Word documents).

In addition, Onecion Online Backup allows you to set an unlimited number of backup sets. For example, you can create one set to backup your Microsoft Exchange database once a week, and another set to backup all your Microsoft Word documents every night.

A. No. Viruses cannot spread to files that are backed up and stored on the Onecion servers. If one of your files gets a virus at your workplace and that file is then backed up, the virus will be contained to that one file.

A. The minimum hardware requirements are a 200 MHz Intel Pentium Pro computer (or equivalent), 64 MB of RAM, and 100 MB free disk space.

A. The recommended hardware requirements are a 400 MHz Intel Pentium II computer (or equivalent), 128 MB of RAM, and 300 MB free disk space.

A. Yes. Onecion Online Backup will work with a dial-up Internet connection, although you probably realize that backups will be slower than with a broadband connection.

A. Onecion Online Backup will work on the following operating systems: Windows 98, ME, NT 4.0 Pro/Server, 2000 Pro, 2000 Server, Windows 2008, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server and 2003 Small Business Server.

A. Unfortunately, not yet. Onecion Online Backup is currently not designed to work on a Mac or Linux based computer. We are planning to add Mac and Linux support in the coming months.

You can, however, backup files that are contained on a Mac or a computer running Linux if the hard drives on those computers are mapped to a Windows-based server.

A. Storage space is calculated on a compressed basis. In other words, the storage space you are using is calculated on the minimized amount of data that is actually sent and stored on the Onecion servers. Thanks to data compression, and depending on the types of files that you backup, you may actually receive two or three times as much storage space than you pay for.

A. In detail:

1. You create an account and download the Onecion Online Backup software, beginning the installation process.
2. You set up your unique encryption key.
3. You're prompted to enter your username, password, and computer ID.
4. The Onecion Online Backup software tests the connection to Onecion servers by compressing, encrypting, and uploading a test file and then downloading, decrypting, and decompressing the same file. Your Onecion Online Backup software is now ready to use.
5. Once the configuration is set, the Onecion Online Backup software guides you through setup of your first backup set. You select which files and folders to backup and the days and times you want the backup to run automatically
6. You're good to go and are prompted to begin your first backup.
7. You breathe the sigh of contentment breathed only by those who know their vital files are safe and secure from now on.

A. Yes. If you have a physical firewall (a hardware device), you shouldn't have to make any changes to your firewall configurations for Onecion Online Backup to work properly. If you have personal firewall software, such as Norton Internet Security, Norton Personal Firewall, Blackice, ZoneAlarm, NetNanny, or the like, you need to make sure your firewall software allows the Onecion Online Backup software to pass through.

A. Extremely secure. Your data is encrypted before it leaves your computer using the same 256-bit AES security used by the U.S. military, and can be accessed with an Encryption Key that only you have. The data is then encrypted again for its transit over the Internet. Your files are stored, in encrypted form, on multiple servers in high security facilities. Not even Onecion personnel can access your data.

A. Onecion Online Backup encrypts each file using 256-bit AES encryption technology, the same as used by the U.S. government and military. Our security is even beyond the 128-bit encryption methods typically used for online banking. Each file is encrypted before it leaves your system and remains encrypted on Onecion servers, providing complete privacy. There is no way for even Onecion personnel to access your files, because only you have your unique Encryption Key. In addition, the Onecion Online Backup software communicates with Onecion severs using SSL (Secure Socket Layers) technology. This is the same encryption technology used by Internet browsers when a user enters a secured site. So your data is encrypted twice. It is encrypted at all times using the 256-bit AES encryption, and it is encrypted again while it's being sent over the Internet.

A. No. Your data is encrypted before it leaves your computer and is sent to the Onecion servers, where it remains encrypted. Because only you have your Encryption Key, only you can access your files.

A. Your data is stored on state-of-the-art file servers in two secure data centers located thousands of miles apart. All of your data is stored in both locations. Each facility has advanced security features such as biometric controlled access, 24/7 monitoring, backup generators and redundant connections to the Internet.

A. By default, Onecion Online Backup is set up to save 10 versions, but you can save an unlimited number of versions of the same file.

A. No, you can never run out of storage space. If you use more than the storage space included in your plan (plus whatever additional space you've signed up for), you'll receive an email alert approximately 7 days before the end of your billing cycle. You can continue to backup and use the service uninterrupted. The 7 days gives you the options of deleting files that no longer need backing up or purchasing additional storage space.

A. Yes, you can begin a backup at any time using the Onecion Online Backup software.

A. The time it takes to perform a backup will depend on the number of files you are backing up, the size of those files, and the upload speed of your Internet connection. Please keep in mind that for most broadband connections, upload speed is slower than download speed.

A. We recommend that you back up important data files such as Microsoft Word and Excel documents, financial information, and key databases. If you use Microsoft Outlook, you may want to backup your emails, contacts, and calendar by including your ".pst" file in one of your backup sets.

A. We do not recommend that you backup Microsoft Windows system files, applications, and temporary files (including temporary Internet files). The Onecion Online Backup software contains a feature that allows you to automatically exclude certain files from all of your backup sets.

A. The amount of compression depends on the type of file. Some files, such as Microsoft Word documents will often be compressed as much as 3:1 or 4:1. Other file types, including picture and audio files, will compress very little.

A. Yes, you can setup multiple backup sets to run at the same time. However, if you have multiple backup sets to run at different times, please ensure the backups do not overlap. A second backup will NOT start if another backup is already in progress.

A. If a backup is interrupted because it was cancelled or because the Internet connection was lost, all of the files that had been backed up before the session ended will be available to be restored. The backup will continue where it left off during your next scheduled backup or, if you manually begin a backup.

A. Yes. You can use your computer normally, including accessing the Internet while a backup is in progress. Backups should not significantly affect your system's performance.

A. No. Your computer must be on in order for a backup to occur. You should be aware that certain systems, especially laptop computers, have various sleep, hibernate, and power save modes that can disrupt backups.

A. Depending on the configuration of your system, Onecion Online Backup may or may not work properly if your computer goes into sleep, hibernate, or power-save modes. Please check to be sure that automated backups occur if your computer enters such a mode. If automated backups do not occur, you may have to change the mode settings or turn the feature off.

A. Yes. You do not need to be logged into your computer for a backup to occur. You may also lock your screen.

A. Yes, the Onecion Online Backup software supports the backup of mapped drives.

A. Of course not. There is never a charge for restoring files. You can restore as many files as you wish as often as you like. After all, restoration is the whole point of backing up.

A. Yes. Restoring a file does not affect its backup status. It will still be backed up and available to restore again at a later date.

A. If you suffer a system failure and Onecion Online Backup is no longer installed on your computer, you'll need to download and install the Onecion Online Backup software again from the Onecion website. Once the software is installed, you'll be able to restore your file catalogue (the list of all of the files that have been backed up) and retrieve all of your backed up files. Please keep in mind that to restore your file catalogue, you MUST have a copy of your Encryption Key.

A. If you lose your username or password, email us at support@oneicon.com or call us at 408-842-8801. Our customer support team will help you with your user information.

A. If you lose your Encryption Key and the Onecion Online Backup software is still installed on your computer, then you can Print your Encryption Key or Save it to a file at any time using the Onecion Online Backup software. If you have had a system failure and your Onecion Online Backup software is not installed, unfortunately, you will not be able to retrieve your data without your Encryption Key. To ensure your data is completely secure, Onecion does not store a copy of your Encryption Key. So you will want to keep a copy of your encryption key in a safe place.

A. For security purposes, you cannot change your Encryption Key within the Onecion Online Backup software. The only way to change your Encryption Key is to reinstall the Onecion Online Backup software and then select a new Encryption Key. However, you will have to recreate your backup sets and backup all of your files again.

A. No. If two computers have the Onecion Online Backup software installed with the same Computer ID, the software does not allow the data from one computer to overwrite was was created with the other.

A. Once you're logged in, the Customer Portal allows you to add users and/or computers.

A. After you've added a new computer, you simply download the software to that computer and follow the installation instructions. Instead of selecting a new Encryption Key, you will Load or Type in the Encryption Key that you selected for the first computer of your account (Computer ID 0000). All other aspects of the installation and configuration are the same.

A. Yes. Having a single Encryption Key enables the account administrator to ensure that the data for all computers is properly secured.

A. All of the computers require the same Username. Each computer will have a different Computer ID and may have a unique Password.

A. Yes. Each computer that you are backing up has a unique file catalogue, so that backups are specific to each computer.

A. When you sign up for Onecion Online Backup, your first 14 days are free. During the Free Trial period, you have full use of the software and are entitled to use as much storage space as you wish. There are no restrictions during your Free Trial period. You will be asked to choose a payment option during sign up, however, you will NOT be billed for the Free Trial period.

If you you enter a credit card, your credit card will be not be charged until after the 14 day trial period has expired. If you choose to pay by check, you will receive a printed invoice in the mail before your Free Trial period expires. Payment terms are net 15 days. If you do not wish to continue using Onecion Online Backup beyond your Free Trial, just send an email to billing@oneicon.com before the 14 day trial period is up to avoid any billing confusion. You can cancel your Onecion Online Backup account at any time; however, you will not receive a refund for services already debited or billed.

A. There are annual and monthly plans.

Annual plans:

When you sign up for Onecion Online Backup you have the option of paying by credit card or by invoice. When you choose one of our discounted annual plans, you will be billed for the total plan price, less any discounts you have, once your 14 day Free Trial has expired.

You will automatically be renewed for the same plan option once your chosen term expires and will be billed for the total cost. If you choose to be billed by credit card, your card will be debited automatically and you will receive a receipt via email. If you choose to be billed by mail, you will receive a paper invoice in the mail approximately 15 days before your renewal anniversary. Payment terms are net 15 days.

Monthly plans:

If you choose our monthly plan you may also pay by credit card or invoice. You will be billed each month, in advance, for the next 30 days of service. If you choose to be billed by credit card, your credit card will be debited automatically and you will receive a receipt via email. If you choose to be billed by check, you will receive a paper invoice in the mail approximately 15 days before each monthly anniversary of your sign-up date. Payment terms are net 15 days.

A. There are two reasons why you may have been charged more than your initial storage amount. The first reason is if you have previously purchased additional storage space. The second reason is if you have gone over the storage space that you initially chose. To reduce your storage space, you may want to delete files you no longer need backed up or use the revision wizard to delete old versions of files.

A. To change your method of payment or your credit card information, please call us at 408-842-8801or email us at billing@oneicon.com. To change your billing address, you may also login to your account at http://www.Onecion.com and then select "Change my contact Information". On this screen, you will be able to edit your contact information.

A. If the amount of data you back up (after compression) exceeds the amount of storage you signed up for, you will receive an email notice approximately 7 days before the end of your current billing cycle. You will receive a usage email monthly, regardless of which payment plan you initially chose. You will be able to continue to backup and use the service uninterrupted. This 7 day period gives you the opportunity to delete files that are outdated or no longer need backing up, or to purchase additional storage space. If you are still over your purchased amount at the end of the 7 day period, you will be billed for additional storage space at the rate of your current plan per full or partial Gigabyte used.

A. Please email us at billing@oneicon.com or call us at 408-842-8801.

A. We hope that you will never need to cancel your Onecion Online Backup account. However, if you do need to cancel your account, please send an email to billing@oneicon.com with your username and the reason that you are canceling. Your account will be cancelled at the end of your current monthly billing cycle (or immediately if you are in a Free Trial period). You will not receive a credit for any unused days in the current billing month.