Data backup is a very important component of any computing strategy and today it is easier than EVER to ensure you have every photo, important document and most importantly (if you use POP email) your email data file which includes email, calendar and contacts.

Carbonite is a simple, safe online backup service for casual home computer users, students, home office users, business travelers, etc.  It automatically manages your online backups and helps you keep track of what's backed up.  Whenever you create new files or modify existing ones, the Carbonite online backup software sends encrypted copies of these files over your high-speed internet connection to Carbonite data center (aka "in the cloud").  Backups are transmitted using secure socket layer (SSL) security technology, and they're stored at a state-of-the-art data center on highly reliable disk arrays.  when you need to get your files back, the Carbonite online backup sofware walks you through an easy to follow process that restores your backed up files to the right place on your computer.  Files can be accessed from any computer connected to the Internet--even from a smartphone.

Another great data backup solution is Dropbox, a free service that lets you bring your photos, docs, and videos anywhere and share them easily. Files are stored on your computer and synchronized "in the cloud". All you need to do is install the Dropbox client on 2 computers and the contents of your Dropbox folder synchronize automatically between them. No need to remember to upload or download the latest copy. No forgetting your thumbdrive, or forgetting to burn that file to CD/DVD. The latest file will be on any computer attached to your account, automatically.

Both solutions are an invaluable addition to the ExtendedOffice toolbox. Any organization would benefit from using one or both solutions to increase their effectiveness and efficiency. Check them out today!