Transitioning from Dropbox Business Plus to a Comprehensive Backup Strategy with Backblaze
As of November 1, 2023, Dropbox Business Plus users saw significant changes in their storage policies. Previously, the plan offered unlimited storage for $24 per month, but now it will be limited to 5TB per active license, with each additional license receiving 5TB, up to a maximum of 1,000TB. Although Dropbox has provided my team a grace period until October 31, 2028, this change poses a challenge for those with extensive storage needs, like my 150TB of photo and video files.
Given this transition, I’ve decided to move to Backblaze, a service offering unlimited storage. While Backblaze provides a robust solution, it requires regular synchronization via a hard drive, at least once a year. Additionally, if a drive fails, Backblaze offers an 8TB replacement drive for $180. To ensure the safety and accessibility of my data, I maintain a cloned drive as a backup.
Here’s a detailed overview of my backup strategy and digital asset management process:
My Backup Strategy and Digital Asset Management Process
1. Primary Storage Solution: Backblaze
• Unlimited Storage: Ideal for large amounts of data.
• Annual Sync: Ensures that all files are up-to-date and secure.
• Drive Replacement: In case of failure, I can order an 8TB replacement drive for $180.
2. Secondary Storage Solution: Cloning Drives
• Cloning: Each primary drive (e.g., ecgbackup001) is cloned to a secondary drive (e.g., ecgbackup001b).
• Redundancy: This approach ensures that if one drive fails, a backup is readily available.
3. Drive Content Management: DiskCatalogMaker
• App Store Purchase: Available for $69.
• Offline Search: Scans drive content for easy searching even when the drive is offline.
4. File Synchronization: Sync Folders Pro
• Mac Compatibility: Designed for seamless integration with Mac systems.
• Efficient Syncing: Ensures that files across multiple drives are consistently updated.
Implementation and Benefits
• Efficient Organization: Labeling drives systematically (e.g., ecgbackup001, ecgbackup002) and maintaining cloned versions streamlines the backup process.
• Data Security: Regular synchronization and cloned backups mitigate data loss risks.
• Cost-Effective: While the initial setup may seem costly, the long-term benefits and security outweigh the expenses.
This comprehensive strategy not only secures my extensive digital assets but also provides peace of mind. For those facing similar challenges with Dropbox’s new policy, transitioning to Backblaze and adopting a similar strategy could be a viable solution.
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Conclusion
Navigating changes in cloud storage policies can be challenging, especially for businesses with substantial data needs. However, with careful planning and the right tools, you can ensure the safety and accessibility of your digital assets. By leveraging Backblaze for primary storage, cloning drives for redundancy, and utilizing efficient management tools, you can build a robust and reliable backup strategy.