CloudPlug Wall Wart Backs Up Linux - page 2

Local Backup, Offsite Backup

Version 2.0 of CTERA's Cloud Attached Storage supports CTERA NEXT3, a new file system with support for volume snapshots. A snapshot is essentially a read-only copy of a volume at a specific point in time. Using snapshots makes it possible to restore local files or entire volumes to a previous state. CTERA provides support for cloud-based snapshots and NEXT3 snapshots which are stored locally. The CloudPlug supports automatic creation and cleanup of snapshots with a customizable retention policy.

For security CTERA supports volume encryption including support for both standalone volumes and RAID arrays. The encryption algorithm is based on the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES-256 CBC ESSIV). You can also mount a CTERA volume using NFS should you wish to. CTERA provides a number of e-mail alerts for monitoring the status of your CloudPlug. These include things like loss of cloud connectivity for a specified amount of time, no backups within the last N number of days, last synchronization more than N days, volume full and a number of other events.

 

 

Remote Access

Availability is another cool thing about backing your files up to the cloud. Once you have your files stored on CTERA's cloud storage server you'll be able to access them from anywhere. It also keeps your data safe from loss due to disaster or even theft. All you have to do is log on to the CTERA portal and you have access to all files backed up to the cloud.

CTERA also offers a new remote device access service enabling you to access the files on your CloudPlug remotely and to administer your CloudPlug over the Internet. Each device is assigned a unique DNS name allowing you to access it through the CTERA portal. Once connected you have direct access to all the files on the device through the same Web-based interface.

Bottom Line

One quick read through the CTERA CloudPlug documentation and you'll see that this device has a lot of features packed into a very small package. The CloudPlug is one of those devices you simply plug in and let it do its job. While it does require a little bit of setup and configuration, it really does pack a lot of capability into a tiny device.

Do yourself a favor and back up your critical files right now. Then make a plan for how you're going to do it next time. The CTERA CloudPlug offers a great solution on the outside chance that you might forget to do it yourself.