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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CoConut Solutions recommends that all users make regular back-ups of their data.  Not only that, but to combat against theft or component breakage that back-ups be kept off-site.  The internet means that you don’t have to remember to carry discs or memory sticks around with you.
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Dropbox offers 2GB of free space to store the more valuable data of your home or business life, be-it trading accounts, family photos or even video or music.  Once installed, Dropbox appears as an extra file on your computer, and you just drag-and-drop the files that you want to back-up, and Dropbox does the rest.
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2GB is enough for most users, however if you require more space you can upgrade to Dropbox-Pro.  However, using our servers, CoConut Solutions can provide a much more cost effective storage solution.  We package your storage to your needs and priced accordingly.  If you require more space, give us a call, drop us an e-mail or even a text, and we will alter your back-up storage facility accordingly.  We can even come to your premeds, physically copy your data, and upload it to our servers for you – all you then have to do is upload new data as it is changed or created.
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For low volume storage, DropBox can’t be beaten of price, but for higher volumes and a specialist approach, CoConut Solutions will tailor a product specific to your needs.

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