Archive

Archive for June, 2009

Online Backup Company Announces Online Backup Search Engine

June 30th, 2009 Comments off

(Memphis, TN) Remote Backup Systems, the founders of the online backup industry and developers of the RBackup and Mercury OEM Online Backup platforms today announced several updates made to their website, and the addition of an Online Backup Search Engine.

 The Online Backup Search Engine was created to refer end users looking for an online backup service to members of RBS’ Referral Network. The member service providers  use the latest technology and software, and can offer the highest level of protection for valuable computer data. When an end user visits Remote Backup Systems to learn more about online backup, he can also be put in contact with a provider that will best fit his needs.

 “Connecting our most trusted service providers with qualified end users is one of the simplest ways we can help ensure their success,” said CEO and founder of Remote Backup Systems, Rob Cosgrove.

 Additionally, a new Features Matrix clearly compares all of RBS software editions, including the newest five-client Personal Edition, 10-Client Business Edition, and the recently released Mercury Online Backup Platform. Potential buyers can now easily view a side-by-side comparison of each and decide which package best suits their needs.  More than 100 of the most important features are highlighted and explained.

 Also on the new web site, RBS introduced a new purchasing model which allows service providers to enter the online backup market with smaller start-up costs. This Pay-Per-Client (PPC) model is a new way to buy the software that can get service providers into the online backup business more quickly, and charge monthly fees based on the number of clients in use instead of the company’s traditional model of selling perpetual licenses. This model is designed to allow providers to pay for the initial start up as they grow their business.

 Cosgrove notes that the changes being made to Remote Backup Systems’ website are all in hopes of giving a new generation of service providers more options in an unstable economic climate. “I understand how hard it is to be a start-up company; I did it 22 years ago on my own. My goal is to integrate all aspects of the Online Backup industry so that visitors emerge with an understanding of either the necessity of or the opportunities in data backup.”

 For more information on Remote Backup Systems visit www.remote-backup.com.

 About Remote Backup Systems Inc.

Remote Backup Systems, Inc. offers turnkey Online Backup solutions starting at $500, capable of serving hundreds of thousands of end users. RBS is the global leader in providing turnkey online backup software solutions to MSPs, VARs, ISPs and Managed Hosting Providers, providing leading edge functionality, best-in-class customer support, and an unwavering commitment to product quality and customer satisfaction. With a twenty-one year history in Remote Backup technologies, RBS is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, USA.

If you would like more information, or to schedule an interview with Rob Cosgrove, please phone Elizabeth Greenup at (901) 388-5988 or email liz@remote-backup.com

 

-30-

Online Backup Software Company Encourages Data Backup This Hurricane Season

June 29th, 2009 Comments off

(Memphis, TN) The 2009 Hurricane season has officially begun. Global weather patterns are imposing a greater uncertainty in this hurricane season outlook than in recent years. Forecasters predict a 70 percent chance of having anywhere from nine to fourteen named storms, of which four to seven could become hurricanes, including as many as three major hurricanes.

With an unpredictable storm season being forecast, backing up critical data has become increasingly urgent for both businesses and home computer users.

Traditionally, tape backups have always been an inexpensive and simple method, used most often by small and medium-sized businesses looking to save money. However, in recent times the cost of online backup has become an affordable option with benefits that far outweigh the limitations of tape backup.

“Tape involves many manual processes and is a comparatively fragile storage medium. Combine these two factors and you have a recipe for disappointment,” said Rob Cosgrove, founder and CEO of Remote Backup Systems. “Even with the best tape backup software, someone has to administer the processes, handle the tapes, and ensure that they are taken to a safe, offsite location each night. Many times, there is a breakdown in one or more of these components that renders the backups useless in the event that the facility is damaged.”

Remote Backup Systems, the founders of the online backup industry and developers of the RBackup and Mercury OEM Online Backup platforms urge businesses and home computer users in hurricane susceptible areas to properly insure their data with a reliable backup service.

“Our website is a great knowledge bank for information about online backup and the importance of performing consistent, secure backups. There you can also find a service provider through our Remote Backup Services Network, “said Cosgrove. “The Service Providers in our network use the latest technology and software, and can offer you the highest level of protection for your valuable computer data.”

Cosgrove points out how devastating the loss of computer data can be. “Thousands of businesses have permanently closed due to the loss of vital data. Nearly half of businesses that are hit by a natural disaster do not survive. Proper data backup practices that are automatic, secure and stored in an offsite location are essential, not only in the event of a natural disaster, but also in case of fire, computer failure, hackers, and about a dozen other reasons.”

For more information, visit Remote Backup Systems website: www.remote-backup.com.

About Remote Backup Systems Inc.

Remote Backup Systems, Inc. offers turnkey Online Backup solutions starting at $500, capable of serving hundreds of thousands of end users. RBS is the global leader in providing turnkey online backup software solutions to MSPs, VARs, ISPs and Managed Hosting Providers, providing leading edge functionality, best-in-class customer support, and an unwavering commitment to product quality and customer satisfaction. With a twenty-one year history in Remote Backup technologies, RBS is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, USA.

If you would like more information, or to schedule an interview with Rob Cosgrove, please phone Elizabeth Greenup at (901) 388-5988 or email liz@remote-backup.com

-30-

Outsourcing disaster recovery services vs. in-house disaster recovery

June 29th, 2009 Comments off

Whether or not to outsource your disaster recovery (DR) or create a DR site in-house can be a tough decision. Learn about the pros and cons of outsourcing disaster recovery.


Are Upload Speeds the New Broadband Selling Point?

June 22nd, 2009 Comments off

verizonlogoVerizon today boosted its upload speeds across its FiOS fiber-to-the-home broadband packages, which leads me to wonder if upload speeds are the new download speeds in a saturated market for broadband. Om and I both have complained about anemic upload speeds, which are becoming more of a handicap in today’s world of video uploads and online backup. Given Verizon’s history as an innovator in broadband (spending $23 million on fiber is a bold move), and a renewed package of incentives out today to drive subscription rates (you get a netbook or a Flip camcorder with a triple-play subscription), upstream speeds may get more competitive. From a Verizon blog post today touting the changes:

We think broadband isn’t really fast unless it’s two-way fast, and we’re amping up speeds in both directions for our most popular FiOS Internet services. We’re also offering incentives for consumers to switch to FiOS.

We’re raising the speed of our entry-level FiOS Internet service from 10/2 Mbps to 15/5 Mbps, and we’re raising the speed of our flagship, mid-tier offering from 20/5 Mbps to 25/15 Mbps. In downstate New York, FiOS Internet is even faster with a new entry-level speed of 25/15 Mbps and a new mid-tier offering of 35/20 Mbps available in bundles.

Cable providers, because of limited spectrum allocated for upstream, may have difficulty matching such boosts, making upstream speed a prime candidate for differentiation between cable and telecommunications providers — or perhaps merely between those communication providers that offer fiber-to-the-home. Companies, such as AT&T, which provide fiber to the node can offer symmetrical  upstream speeds but both upstream and downstream speeds are limited by how far away a customer’s home may be from the node. For example, AT&T currently offers downstream speeds of 18 Mbps in some areas, but upstream peaks at 1.5 Mbps.

Right now, the vast majority of consumers don’t bump up against upstream limits often, but if service providers really want to get people excited about faster download packages ,they’re going to need to deliver services such as home security applications and video conferencing that require both fast downstream and upstream speeds. Only then will average consumers see the need to upgrade to $100, 50 Mbps broadband packages. But at that point, they’re also going to notice if their provider is sucking up their content with the equivalent of a cocktail straw while delivering downloads with a fire hose. Then Verizon’s upgrades will look prescient, kind of like its investment in fiber-to-the-home does today.



Market research you can use:
Keep informed about Cloud Computing and IT Infrastructure.
Learn more »


This item provided by GigaOM

Finding Customers the Old Fashioned Way

June 22nd, 2009 Comments off

Today’s economy is spurring entrepreneurship like never before, with statistics showing hundreds of thousands of new businesses launching each month. Necessity really is the mother of invention. However, with this surge of new businesses, entrepreneurs must find low-cost, high-impact ways to market their services and stay in the game. So, where to begin?

I would recommend starting the old-fashioned way—with a friendly introduction and a brief sales pitch. Why? It works!

Not long ago, I responded to a knock on my front door. I opened it to find a well-dressed, twenty-something professional asking if he could introduce himself. He had just started a financial consulting business in my neighborhood and wanted to know if I was looking for help with financial planning. It was 90 degrees outside and the sun was beating down. And here was this young man, walking the neighborhood in the blistering heat, to put a friendly face to his new business and make real connections in the neighborhood.

We spoke for a few minutes, and I asked for his card. After he left, I decided to give him a call and see how he could specifically help me. Not only did I admire his persistence and courage, but he was very personable. I immediately liked him. And isn’t that one of the key ways we choose who to do business with? We have to like them and trust them. After all, it is important for your prospect to imagine how well you two could work together.

So, if walking the neighborhood to shake hands and deliver your card doesn’t work for your business, try a different way of networking. Don’t rely on social networking sites to make these connections, but use your social networking sites to help strengthen your relationship with prospects and customers.

To make a strong personal connection, you must clearly define who your customers are, find out where they meet, and go to them with a friendly introduction and a relevant story.

Data retention policies and procedures for SMBs

June 22nd, 2009 Comments off

Data retention isn’t just something larger enterprises can afford to worry about; it’s also important for SMBs to have data retention policies and procedures in place.


Techworld.com – One in ten portables downed by ‘laptop rage’

June 17th, 2009 Comments off

Online Backup Specialist, Remote Backup Systems, Set to Host a Live Informational Seminar

June 16th, 2009 Comments off

(Memphis, TN) Remote Backup Systems, the founders of the online backup industry and developers of the RBackup and Mercury OEM Online Backup platforms announced today they are set to host an informative live seminar at the RBS main office next month.

This comprehensive two-day event aims to reveal key strategies, techniques, and skills needed to build a profitable Online Backup business powered by industry defining RBackup software. The seminar is designed to benefit both inexperienced as well as veteran service providers. Attendees will receive personalized, hands-on instruction with the latest version of RBS software, v10.1.65, presented by RBS staff members.

Remote Backup Systems software has been powering successful Online Backup <https://www.backupmax.com> services for More Than 21 Years. Version 10.1.65 was released for download on June 1st this year and includes several upgrades, a new server license, and stand alone restore agents. Many of the features added were suggestions from current service providers.

The seminar will be headed by Rob Cosgrove, President of RBS and founder of the Online Backup industry, and presented by the technical and customer support staff of RBS, including Gautam Tiruvanallur, Prem Balasubramanian, William Smith, and Carrie Schmitz. Guest speakers will include some of RBS most successful service providers.

The majority of the agenda will cover technical issues in depth with a brief focus on sales and marketing. Those attending the seminar will hear discussion on topics including customization and branding, server operation, designing file sets and service plans, pricing, competition, go-to-market strategies, support policy, costs and ROI analysis, and more. A time for questions and answers will be allotted each day.

“The seminars that RBS provides are a wealth of information,” said Donald Purdie, CEO of Data Ensure and one of RBS’ most successful service providers. “I have been twice, once 8 years ago and just recently because the software had improved so much so fast, I needed a refresher course. The seminars are very informative; the pace is such that you will have a complete understanding of the software and how it works when you are finished. The RBS staff are great people to work with. They will resolve any issues that may come up quickly and at any time will help you with understanding how to utilize a particular piece of the software.”

The RBS Seminar is scheduled for July 11th and 12th. Please phone RBS for pricing and more information at (901) 388-5988, or visit their website http://www.remote-backup.com/. Seating is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

About Remote Backup Systems Inc.

Remote Backup Systems, Inc. offers turnkey Online Backup solutions starting at $500, capable of serving hundreds of thousands of end users. RBS is the global leader in providing turnkey online backup software solutions to MSPs, VARs, ISPs and Managed Hosting Providers, providing leading edge functionality, best-in-class customer support, and an unwavering commitment to product quality and customer satisfaction. With a twenty-one year history in Remote Backup technologies, RBS is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, USA.

If you would like more information, or to schedule an interview with Rob Cosgrove, please phone Elizabeth Greenup at (901) 388-5988 or email liz@remote-backup.com

-30-

An Inside Look at a Growing Business Opportunity

June 16th, 2009 Comments off

Remote Backup Systems (RBS), the founders of the online backup industry and developers of the RBackup and Mercury OEM Online Backup platforms, has always been passionate about Remote Backup.


I live, eat, and breathe this stuff,” said Industry pioneer Rob Cosgrove, CEO of Remote Backup Systems.  “I know the industry and I can see that Online Backup is selling fast and it’s a good time to get in the game. Whether they are just starting out or expanding their business, we want our service providers to be successful. I tell them, if there’s something they need, a new feature, or a different pricing model, I want to know about it! If someone likes our software, but a competitor has a better price, call us and we’ll see what we can do about it. We’re here to help.


Cosgrove took a chance himself, 22 years ago, when he built a remote backup system for the University of Tennessee Medical Center. When the hospital’s prenatal database was saved after a direct lightning strike which destroyed their Server, Cosgrove began evolving his innovative technology into the first commercially available remote backup system.


Over the past two decades, Cosgrove has seen success and has gained a firm grasp on what it takes to run a successful backup business. He has written many informative articles and white papers on the subject. He maintains an industry blog for the public. He hosts webinars in which attendees can ask questions directly, all with the hopes that a gained knowledge will give service providers a competitive edge in a booming industry.


Cosgrove will also tell you that to be successful you will need more than just knowhow. “Sales drive capital, and you will need that money for marketing and advertising, adequate hardware, insurance, staff, all the things it takes to run any business. We give our providers many options to assist with the technical aspects so that they can focus on selling their product. You will also need a business plan, a marketing plan, and a technical plan. You need training and support. RBS will provide you with these tools, in addition to our many other consulting services.


For more information, visit http://remote-backup.com.


To assist service providers with the initial startup costs, RBS has recently introduced a new payment option. This “Pay Per Client” (PPC) model is a new way to get service providers into the online backup business more quickly, with a monthly fee based on the number of clients in use. This model is designed to allow providers to pay for the initial start up as they grow their business. “RBS was designed to be scalable as customer needs grow,” said Carrie Schmitz, RBS sales manager. “We have always been the industry standard in commercial grade remote backup software, and giving our providers more options and a greater chance to succeed is why we are the most trusted brand.”

In addition RBS Virtual Hosting is an alternative to purchasing necessary hardware and software to operate an Online Backup service. Providers are able to distribute a white-label version of the industry leading Remote Backup Client software to their customers, and they back up to RBS’ data centers. Providers are still able to maintain customer relationships, determine end-user pricing, and distribute branded software.


RBS has maintained a leading edge in the industry by dedicating itself to continuing development and software improvements. “Our developers realize that customers must have the most advanced technology and most secure software to stay competitive in this industry,” explained Cosgrove, “We are constantly updating our product and are always listening to our service providers needs.


When purchasing a package of 25 clients or higher from RBS, several included features set the RBackup software apart from competitors products. A complete server remote installation insures that the software will be installed correctly and to service providers’ specifications. It also helps the service provider to have the operation up and running in less than an hour. This starter package also includes responsive technical support for one year, professional plug-ins, and a feature filled Business Kit.


The RBS Business Kit is a complete set of resources for offering Online Backup services and a valuable tool to jumpstart an Online Backup business. It includes a complete business plan, camera-ready ads, flyers and advertising materials, a self-running sales presentation, a complete interactive website, telephone scripts, service contracts, and email software for electronic marketing.


Rob Cosgrove attributes much of RBS’ success to his team of sales people and developers. “They are on the front line every day, they know what our providers need and they know how to make it happen,” he said. “We’ve got the creativity and have gained the experience which has allowed us to stay on top for this long. In this economy, it benefits us to be the most affordable and dependable choice for discerning service providers, and we hope that we can continue to provide flexible business opportunities to many more.”


About Remote Backup Systems Inc.

Remote Backup Systems, Inc. offers turnkey Online Backup solutions starting at $500, capable of serving hundreds of thousands of end users. RBS is the global leader in providing turnkey online backup software solutions to MSPs, VARs, ISPs and Managed Hosting Providers, providing leading edge functionality, best-in-class customer support, and an unwavering commitment to product quality and customer satisfaction. With a twenty-one year history in Remote Backup technologies, RBS is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, USA.

If you would like more information, or to schedule an interview with Rob Cosgrove, please phone Elizabeth Greenup at (901) 388-5988 or email liz@remote-backup.com

Webhost hack wipes out data for 100,000 sites; Vaserv suspects zero-day virtualization vuln

June 15th, 2009 Comments off

A large internet service provider said data for as many as 100,000 websites was destroyed by attackers who targeted a zero-day vulnerability in a widely-used virtualization application.

<a href=”http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/06/08/webhost_attack/”></a>

Why the Online Backup Industry Has a Bright Future in a Bleak Economy

June 15th, 2009 Comments off

It’s going to get better; it’s got to get better! Be hopeful, have faith in our country, trust in our legislation.

I guess that’s all well and good, but what about the now of it all? I was reading an article written about the results of the US Federal Reserve’s survey of regional economic performance. On the one hand, you have Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman saying the recession could be over by the end of the summer. The end of the summer is near in sight! The end of the summer is doable, we can pull together and all hold hands and play like a team and get out of this nasty recession! I like that guy.

On the other hand, you have pretty much all the other economists telling Mr. Krugman to take off those pretty rose colored spectacles he’s using to reading the Fed’s Beige Book with and be a little more realistic. Like 2010 realistic. In that reality, many large companies cannot withstand to last until 2010.

So, if going into business right now sounds a little cuckoo to you at first, you’re not alone. However one of the biggest drags on the economy right now is unemployment. So if you have lost your job or are unsure about the future of your job, perhaps it’s time to put some of those stored creative ideas you’ve had into fruition. Trust in yourself. Trust in the highly skilled talent that’s available right now. Trust in knowing how prepared you are already to be business owner going into a new endeavor with frugality.

The backup business has been an excellent idea for a start up since its conception. With the right technology it can produce quick ROI with a very low overhead; its automatic design allows you to focus more on sales rather than administration. And with the big boys out there spending oodles on advertising, the public is aware of the need to have a contingency plan for their irreplaceable data.

More and more computers are coming online everyday with more and more data being created every second. There are niche fields that are a perfect target market that haven’t even been tapped into. In an economy with no guarantees we can’t guarantee you’ll become a millionaire as an Online Backup business owner, but we can guarantee an opportunity.