Los Angeles-based Secure Data Network Inc has laun-ched what it claims is the first on-line data back-up and retrieval service in the US to offer personal computers and personal computer-based local area networks the level of data security and integrity previously available only for mainframes and minicomputers. Using Secure Data’s custom communications hardware and software, the Backup System automatically dials the customer’s site, compresses files and encrypts them using the US Defense Department-approved DES Data Encryption Standard level security, so that only the owner of the data has access to it, finally sending the data over standard telephone lines or via satellite. Retrieval of backed-up data can either be achieved online, through the modem, or by requesting the data on duplicate media such as floppy disk, tape, optical storage or hard disk. Subscribers to the basic SDN Subscriber System 1000 service receive a specially designed Hayes-compatible modem, ranging from 2,400 baud to over 19.2Kbps, and the custom SDN communications software that performs the automated compression, encryption and back-up of user-specified data at user-defined intervals. According to Secure Data, the menudriven SDN Backup Software requires little or no training time. Once the user has defined the data to be backed up and at what time intervals, Secure Data claims that from then on, the entire process is automatic. The back-up software and hardware also automatically detect and isolate computer viruses, and, by compressing and encrypting them, renders them harmless. Secure Data says it will maintain an SDN substation site in the geographic location closest to the subscriber, so that calls made by subscribers will generally cost no more than a local phone call, while a toll-free access number will be provided for outside area codes. The SDN Subscriber System 1000 is available in the US immediately, with the basic service costing $19 per month. Userdefined back-up – in which the user determines what data is to be backed up and at what times – costs $59 a month, the fee including a 2,400 baud modem, back-up software, and 60 minutes of back-up time. Additional back-up time is available from 5 cents per minute.
