DataSave Services Plc is to launch an on-line data back-up and archiving service that it believes will succeed where others have failed because the onus of backing up data is not with users. According to company co-founder Michael Morris, the technology has been in development for two years but has only become feasible since the advent of digital lines in the UK. To install the system, users need DataSave retrieval and encryption software loaded on their computer, and this also gives them a user identification. Each time a user saves a document, the data is automatically duplicated on the server. The server then downloads information over ISDN lines or a modem to DataSave’s computer system nightly. The data is then checked for viruses using Portculus Computer Security Ltd’s F Prot software. DataSave plans to distribute F Port upgrades to users electronically each month. The data is then encoded, encrypted and compressed and transferred to a Hewlett-Packard Co 20Gb optical jukebox where the res t of the customer data resides. This database is then duplicated onto a second optical disk and a Digital Audio Tape cartridge stored in a vault. The service is aimed at small to medium-sized companies with a maximum of 30 personal computers. DataSave opened for business on March 1 and distributes its product through value-added resellers and maintenance companies. The system is รบ3,000 for 20 computers hooked up to a local network.
