Easing The Backup Buildup

One big challenge for storage administrators is to get users to back up files on their desktop or notebook computers. Punch Networks Corp. this week rolls out software that promises to make the task easier.

Punch WebDrive Sync Engine is software that sits on a Windows server and monitors and copies all changes made to a file. A user visits his company's or Punch's Web site, enters a password, clicks on a file icon, and sees all previous versions and time-stamped changes made to the file. When a user works on a file, Sync Engine distributes that version to other servers and clients designated by an IT manager.

"Most executives don't know or care how files are secured, but they want to share them or access them from home," says Punch chairman David Campbell. The Sync Engine also improves remote access and makes it easier for users to find the file they want.

Independent consultant Chris Greathouse has been testing Punch WebDrive Sync Engine and likes not having to worry about disks and tapes for backup. "I modify source code, and the Engine automatically knows what's new," Greathouse says. "It's a lot less hassle to let the Engine do what it does."

Sync Engine is priced at $99 per year for every 100 Mbytes of data that's backed up.