It’s hard to overemphasize the importance of backing up critical or sensitive files. Even though Mac is probably the most secure platform, Macs are still just as susceptible as any type of computer to unfortunate events such as theft, fire, power surge, or even accidental alteration or deletion of files. The most secure way to back up your files is to use an online backup service.
Mozy is one of the most popular of these services. It’s owned by the information management company EMC, which also owned Retrosepct, one of the best known online backup services for Mac in the past. Even with the importance of backups in mind, does Mozy offer value for money?
The Basics
Mozy’s software client will work on Intel or PowerPC-based Macs running Mac OS X Tiger (version 10.4 and up), Leopard (10.5 and up), and Snow Leopard (10.6 and up). Mozy offers two basic services: MozyHome, which features unlimited storage at $4.95 per user per month; and MozyPro, its offering for businesses, which is priced at $3.95 plus $0.50 per gigabyte per desktop per month, or $6.95 plus $0.50 per gigabyte per server per month (all figures USD).
The basic service offered by Mozy isn’t drastically different from that provided by other online backup services for Mac files. In essence, through the software client, you designate files to be backed up, and they are then copied to Mozy’s servers through an encrypted signal.
The Pros
The Mac version of Mozy is sufficiently easy to use. The client’s user interface, which has a standard Mac look (unlike some other multiplatform backup services which haven’t adapted their look to the Mac standard quite as well), is decent and makes most functions clear and simple enough for anyone to use.
Mozy doesn’t have any persistent problems with Mac-specific file types, unlike Carbonite and other backup services which don’t handle certain Mac files well. With regard to backup speed, Mozy is about average. It can certainly take a long time to back up large amounts of material, but this is the case with virtually every online backup service, with some being much slower than Mozy. Additionally, Mozy seems impervious to problems like transfer interruptions.
One feature offered exclusively by Mozy at this time is physical media restoration. With Mozy, you have the option of ordering your backups on DVD, instead of having to download them directly, if you prefer.
The Cons
There are some apparent security loopholes in Mozy’s procedures. For example, all you need in order to reset your password is your email address – there are no security questions or anything like that. So, someone who happens to have your email address could reset your password.
Unlike with some other Mac backup services, you can’t just retrieve your files from Mozy whenever you want; you request your files, and Mozy will notify you when they’re ready, which can take several minutes in most cases, but up to an hour or more for very large files.
The Verdict
Mozy for Mac (free download) is a reliable service that doesn’t look likely to go anywhere, thanks to its popularity as well as the apparent strength of EMC. There are some hitches in its service, though, and it could be much more convenient than it is. However, Mozy does represent good value for money for users looking for a quality online backup program for Mac.
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