I have a Windows server that I use as a development and testing server. Besides that it also hosts my Subversion repository.
Being a developer, my subversion repository is of great value to me. I have therefor been looking for different online backup providers. My requirements are:
- Must run in a Windows server environment
- Preferably free or rather cheap
- Must run autonomously
- 2-3 GB of space
- Secure
- Low frequency of errors
Dropbox
Dropbox provides you with a 2GB free account and works both for Windows and Mac. However it only supports backing/synchronizing one folder.
SugarSync
SugarSync is actually ok and has a nice IPhone app. They provide a 2GB free plan, and I am currently using them in another context. However, they are a bit pricy compared to others.
IDrive
They also provides you with a 2GB free plan. They work alright and have some friendly support people, however their Windows application seems buggy. I have tested the application on 3 different Windows machines, and at first everything works fine… but at some point the software just stops backing up. It seems like the schedule part is broken.
The free plan can also be used on Windows server versions, which is nice.
Mozy
Mozy provides, like the rest, a 2 GB free plan. The software works fine, however not on Windows server versions.
Another thing to note is, if you need to backup a large number of files then Mozy will consume a large portion of you memory accordingly. I have experienced Mozy consuming 400-450 MB of ram.
Memopal
After testing the other providers I found Memopal. They provide a 3GB free account, which is more than the others. Their application runs among others on Mac, Linux and Windows, including a server environment.
As Memopal initially almost satisfies all of my requirements, I was hopeful 
Unfortunately Memopal would not back files up larger than 20MB, as their limit should be 5GB per file, it must be some kind of error with the software. All the smaller files were backup without problems.
As I was backing my Subversion server files up some directories are just called “0″, “1″, “2″ etc. it looks like Memopal does not support these folder names, I was not able to retrieve these folders from their web interface.
Conclusion
So this leaves me with nothing… or I am settling with IDrive and hoping that the errors in the software will be fixed. But I will keep looking for a good and reliable online backup software.
IDrive(http://www.idrive.com) should be working reliably for your scheduled transfers. If you had trouble with IDrive, did you contact our support?
We would be very keen to assist you with your issues. We offer 24*7 email/chat and 6AM-6PM PST telephone support.
IDrive Support.
Mozy work with Windows Server but you need the Pro version.
Thanks for a great article! MozyHome works pretty well for me – on both Mac and Windows. If you ever need it, their 2nd level support is good.
Use the following link to get 20% more space (512 Mb) on a free MozyHome 2 Gb account:
https://mozy.com/?code=D685JF
@Mozy promotion: I know, but I am using a Windows server for personal usage only, and therefore I do not want to pay for a business license.
@Justin: I have been in contact with them, and as I write they are very helpful. I will contact them again about my issues, but my impression about the software consists.
Memopal has a default limit of 200MB per file (not 20MB!), but you can manually upload files as big as 5Gb with a right click.
We think this helps users not wasting their bandwidth but still gives them control.
Walter
BTW,
Here is an invite for a free 3,5GB life-time account.
http://apps.memopal.com/r/?VTUCPAcw
Enjoy!
Walter
Memopal
Is it possible to change the default max from 200 mb on memopal?
I work with a some media files (sound, video), not so much that it can’t fit in a memopal account, but enough that it becomes useless to me if I have to back them up manually.
How can I automate backing them up?
Hi Chris
I don’t know… that would be a good question for the guys behind Memopal
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, may all your wishes come true!
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