Within minutes of posting yesterdays news about Ubuntu One we received an e-mail from Mandriva Linux, announcing their remote storage utility Click ‘n Backup.
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Unlike DropBox and Ununtu One, Click ‘n Backup is a pay only service, this means there is no free (gratis) option. However the rates do seem to be very attractive compared to that which is being offered by the previously mentioned providers.
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The obvious question is should you take advantage of this facility, and the answer that CoConut Solutions is offering is a resounding NO!!! The reasons for this are twofold.

Firstly it appears that there are a lot of providers coming onto the market right now, and they are all going to be competing against each other for business. If you want to go with one of them, and can afford to wait, CoConut Solutions is advising that you do so in order that you can get the best possible deal.

Secondly, as we have previously mentioned, CoConut Solutions offer off-site secure storage for your most valuable data. We will always offer the most competitive personal service that we can. We will provide you with the service that you require, always tailoring our product to meet your needs.
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If you have any questions about how CoConut Solutions can streamline your data storage needs, drop us an e-mail
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A few weeks ago we reviewed DropBox as a means of storing files and back-up remotely.  It now transpires that the Linux distribution Ubuntu now have a similar Cloud Computing application, Ubuntu One, which  currently being Beta tested.
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This testing is currently closed, but is available to Ubuntu users with a Launchpad account by invitation.  Reports indicate that requests on the site are taking a long time to come through, however CoConut Solutions jumped the queue somewhat by asking for an invite in the #ubuntuone IRC chatroom.
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Of course by taking a product that is currently being Beta tested, means that you are part of the testing team, and that there are likely to be bugs in the platform, as a result it is a good idea NOT to use the facility for sensitive, valuable or irreplaceable data just yet.
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The basic package seems to be very similar to, and in Ubuntu, works in the same way as DropBox.  Clicking on the icon in the panel opens the Ubuntu One folder, which appears just the same as any other folder in the Nautilus file system.  From there you click & drag, or copy & paste the files and folders across from your computer to the ‘Cloud Computer’.
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The proposals are that (again) like DropBox there will be free (no-cost) accounts fro storage up to 2GB.  For $10US per month you can upgrade the account to 10GB.  In addition:
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• Seamless integration with your Ubuntu based computer
• Sync files between multiple machines
• Access to your files away from your computers via our web interface
• Free 2GB Storage Plan

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I’m sure that you are wondering what the advantages of Ubuntu One will be over DropBox.  The answer is that Ubuntu One comes from a trusted source, as such updates and patches will be released through the Update Manager, and latest versions held in the Ubuntu Repositories.  If things change with DropBox, there is the danger that they may not be able to co-ordinate patches or upgrades in the same manner that Ubuntu can.
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There is no indication as to how long Ubuntu One will be in Beta, however there have been unsubstantiated rumours that there is a desire to have Ubuntu One available with v09.10 which is due for release in October.  If it is not possible to have it ready later in the year, we are sure that Canonical will what this feature as part of v10.04, which following Ubuntu’s release schedule, will be the Long Term Support release.
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The rapid rise of the internet over recent years, means that the web gives your homepage or web-site is your shop window for the World.  In theory this means that any dream that you might have had acquiring prime real estate on Fredrick Street could now be a thing of a past, as your customers not longer have to travel into Port of Spain, but can access your shop from the comfort of their own homes.  You don’t have to be there, allowing your customers can examine your stock, and choose their purchases at any time of the day of night.
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But what are the other advantages of running your business over the internet?  Firstly the cost of building your on-line store is far less than is is to build or buy a ‘physical store’ of bricks and mortar.  Secondly, the running costs are significantly less.  It’s not just your customers that can buy from the comfort of their home, but if you so desired, you could run your store from your home.
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You will know that a large amount of capital for a physical store is tied up in stock.  By running even a section of your business on-line, you can arrange for purchases to be delivered direct from your suppliers, meaning that cash-turnover is instantaneous!
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CoConut Solutions have a portfolio of products that allows you to put your business on-line, and open your markets to customers all over the world.  Our products range from small sites, advertising your products and services, to full blown ’supermarkets’, allowing your customers to order and pay on-line.  In addition allowing you to monitor your internet presence, and plan your business for the future.