SOS for Home & Home Office

Editors' ReviewDownload.com staffJune 23, 2015 SOS Online Backup is a cloud service like Google Drive or iCloud, but it features optional enhanced security and unlimited storage space.Pros Optional client-side encryption: Most cloud backup services keep a copy of your encryption keys. With client-side encryption, only you know your account password, which increases your privacy. Local backups: SOS can put a mirror image of your cloud files on an external hard drive or USB stick, for offline use and extra backup. Real-time backups: You can enable specific files to be backed up every few seconds, even if they're in use. Unlimited file recovery: When you delete a file in the cloud, or a local file that you have synced, you can opt for SOS to keep a copy of that file indefinitely. That way you can recover the file months later, if it turns out that you needed it. Unlimited file versions: You can tell SOS to create an unlimited number of new versions of a file in the cloud every time you save it. Unlimited file size: You can back up things like HD videos and virtual hard disk images without worrying about a cap on their size. Global network of in-house data centers: SOS operates 11 of its own data centers around the world, rather than contracting a third party to store your files. 24/7 live customer support: You can get technical help via chat if you have a problem with SOS in the middle of the night or over the weekend. Reasonable pricing: At $8 per month or $80 per year (or $140 for a two-year plan), SOS does not have the lowest prices. but you get a long list of important features. Being able to use PayPal is also a nice touch.Cons Limited iOS backup: iOS devices get full access to your files in the cloud, but you can only back up your iPhone or iPad's photos and contacts. Limited trial: The 15-day free trial is limited to 50GB of storage, so you can't get a preview of how the service handles a large-scale backup.Bottom line If you don't need cloud backups of your iOS device, it's hard to beat SOS Online Backup's combination of features and price.More resources Download.com Security and Antivirus Center Backup basics: How to prevent data loss and recover from PC failure The best cloud data backup