Portable Backups: The New GoVault

backup

The GoVault Tabletop Data Protection Solution is a stand-alone external drive that connects to the computer's USB 2.0 port. Unlike the previous version, an internal dock that fit into a 3.25-inch or 5.25-inch drive bay, this sleek silver box can sit on the desk, the computer, or even the floor. Measuring 2.5 inches high, 4.5 inches wide, and 7 inches deep, the new GoVault dock doesn't take up more space than two paperback novels stacked on top of each other, so having a small workspace is no excuse.

There are advantages to using hard disk drives for backup, and there are advantages to using removable drives for backup. GoVault combines them both into a single and convenient solution. While GoVault stores data on removable cartridges, they actually contain hard disk drives similar to ones found in laptops, not magnetic tape. Having data on hard disk drive instead of tape makes file restores faster and easier. No more spooling through the tape linearly to find a specific data.

Using SATA II to interface with the cartridge and USB 2.0 to connect to the PC, the GoVault dock promises speeds of 26 to 34 MBytes per second. Twenty GBytes of data was backed up in a matter of minutes.

As a tabletop product, GoVault is truly portable. One dock can be used to backup multiple computers, one at a time. Multiple cartridges also makes it easier to store backups off-site for safe-keeping.

id
unit-1659132512259
type
Sponsored post

Most importantly, GoVault helps protect the data. The cartridges can be password-protected to secure data in case they are lost. GoVault comes with data protection software which offers a safe and secure method for backups. The data is encrypted on the cartridges, so it's not as simple as opening up the cartridges and dragging files onto the computer. The backups also take advantage of data de-duplication technology. The capacity-optimized storage technology stretches available storage space over time by eliminating duplicate sections in the document versions you save. It's transparent to the user, but by saving only the bits that changed, the software makes GoVault more efficient. In fact, the backup window shrinks over time because only the new changes are saved, not the entire file.

GoVault can work with all versions of Windows, even Vista, as well as Linux, and can work with most popular backup applications. However, at the time of the review, the data backup software bundled with GoVault was available only for Windows systems. GoVault also comes with software that configures Windows to use the high-speed Direct Memory Access mode. DMA improves GoVault's transfer performance without taxing the CPU.

The company bundles the Quantum GoVault Data Protection software on the CD with the dock. The application manages backup jobs, or "protection plans," and restores data. Creating a plan takes five steps: selecting backup type, giving it a name, identifying what to back up, selecting the cartridge, and setting up an automated scheduler. Backup type determines what kind of data is saved. For example, if the "Personal Data" option is selected, then the next step is to identify which user's Outlook and My Documents files need to be saved. For the "Everything" option, the wizard asks for the volume. Specific directories and files can be chosen in a customized job.

Data can be restored in multiple ways. Files can be searched for by name using the search box, and the results can be filtered by date. If the Web Client service is running on the system, the protection plan can be accessed via an explorer window. In this case, files can just be dragged off the drive. Finally, a full backup can be restored at a touch of the button.

The GoVault data cartridges are rugged and come in four sizes: 40 GBytes, 80 GBytes, 120 GBytes, and 160 GBytes. According to the company, the cartridges can be dropped for a distance of a little over three feet (from top of the desk, for example) and still work fine. Test Center engineers dropped the cartridges from the top of a storage cabinet (four feet) and let it bounce down a full flight of stairs. There was no problem getting the data off the cartridges afterwards.

Pricing for the full GoVault tabletop solution can start at $459 and go as high as $909. The pricing covers the external dock, two cartridges, and the backup software. Street prices for individual cartridges are around $92 for 40 GBytes, $122 for 80 GBytes, $213 for 120 GBytes, and $339 for 160 GBytes.