Online backing up of data, to keep it safe and disaster-proof, has become essential for most people, and the services available have not only increased by number, they have also become more sophisticated, offering a variety of innovative features and options that users really appreciate. So many online backup services are available today that choosing one requires time and consideration, but most users will find one that suits their needs.
MiMedia is compatible with all versions of Windows 7 and Vista, and Service Pack 2 or 3 with Windows XP. It currently only works with iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch, but MiMedia hope to include Android, Windows Mobile, and BlackBerry very soon.
Backup and Sync
As the user sets up his account, he will initially be required to select the files he wants MiMedia to back up and to monitor for changes; MiMedia will then search for and back up only those files that have been changed, so no space is wasted. Changes can be made to the selection of files by accessing MiMedia’s ‘files’ tab. Whenever the user adds, edits, or deletes files, MiMedia will detect this, and backup automatically, according to any changes.
The user can back up as many computers, devices, and drives as he wants; he can add them simply by logging in from the new computer or device, going to ‘Backups’, and selecting the ‘Download MiMedia’ link. The MiMedia application with then be installed. Once installation is complete, the user just opens the Desktop application and makes the backup selection for the new computer; clicking on the ‘save’ button, saves the selection.
Automatic online backup and cloud sync is provided by MiMedia, and is easy to set up. Users can then sync to the cloud at any time and from anywhere with an internet connection.
Data Restoration
Data restoration with MiMedia is easy; simply click on the ‘Restore Backup’ button next to the drive required, and a Zip file is produced for downloading.
Shuttle Drive
Premium Plan account holders can opt to receive a Shuttle Drive; this is similar to a hard drive that can be connected to a computer, to back up data automatically. If a user has hundreds of gigabytes to back up, the Shuttle Drive will greatly reduce the upload speed. The Shuttle Drive will need to be ordered, and MiMedia estimate that most users will receive theirs within two days of ordering. Once it has done its work, it is put back in its box, a prepaid return label is affixed to it, and it is returned to MiMedia, when the data will be uploaded within a few hours.
The Shuttle Drivewill have a digital signature that corresponds to the user’s computer, ensuring that, should it fall into the wrong hands, no unauthorized person will be able to access the data it contains.
File Sharing
Any type and size of file can be uploaded with MiMedia.
Files such as photos and music can be shared via Facebook, and Twitter simply by selecting the file required, and clicking on the ‘share’ button.
Files can also be shared via email by first selecting the file, say, photos or a complete photo gallery, then completing an email form which contains a link to the file, and a message informing the recipient that the user wants to share. Protecting files with a password is not possible with MiMedia
Security
Files are encrypted during transfer using 128-bit SSL (Secured Socket Layer) encryption. With Shuttle Drive, data is encrypted via 256-bit key encryption, the same level of security that is used by the National Security Agency, and one that MiMedia boasts has never been breached.
Once in storage, data is kept secure in two separate data centers, with exact copies kept in each. The centers have 24/7 security, and restricted access. Data is stored on servers in fire-proof cages.
Price Plans
A range of plans is available from MiMedia; there is a free (forever) account, the 75GB (gigabyte) 100% Free Plan, which invites the user to ‘back up your favorite media’. It has room for 1,000 songs, 1,400 photos, 140 videos, and 7,000 documents. The 100GB Premium Plan is the first of the paid-for plans, and costs $4.99 per month; if a year’s plan is subscribed to in advance, the price is discounted by two months. It provides storage for 12,000 songs, 1,400 photos, 140 videos, and 100,000 documents. This account comes with a thirty-day free trial.
For those who require more space, there is the 250GB Premium Plan, for $9.99 per month, the 500 GB Premium Plan for $20 per month, and the 1TB (terabyte) Premium Plan for $35 per month; they all attract discounts if taken out over one year.
Users can earn referral rewards in the form of credit, cash, or extra storage simply by recommending MiMedia to family, friends, and colleagues who go on to download and install it.
Customer Support
There is no telephone number for customer support. ‘Live’ help is provided by way of an email form which has a box to check if the user wants to include a screenshot of his problem along with a description. A question and answer section is also available, in which categories and topics are listed individually, to make searching for particular issues easier.
Conclusion
There are a couple of negatives with MiMedia; for instance, it appears that file versioning is not provided for, and this is a feature that everyone wants, and expects, from an online backup service.
Users would appreciate a telephone number for them to use when they need to speak to a real live human being to discuss problems, but MiMedia does not provide one. They offer ‘live’ help, but this involves filling in a contact form and waiting, how long for is not indicated, for a response. Unless the response is immediate, it really cannot be described as ‘live’. A community forum would be useful as a form of customer support, too.
The customer referral option is something that not all providers offer, and many people will appreciate the opportunity to earn rewards this way.
The Shuttle Drive option is a good idea, but there is no way of knowing if it is a free option, or one that the user must pay for, and that is the sort of information that should be available to help users choose the online backup for them.
MiMedia is a basic online backup provider, but its options are limited, and it is more suited to the domestic or personal user than to a business due to the lack of certain useful features that can be found with most other services.
Visit MiMedia.com
