Like it or not, our lives are deeply intertwined with what’s digitally stored, from precious digital pictures to mission critical data companies depend on. If a computer crashes, it’s all gone, wiped away, unless, a solid back up system is in place.

Backing data up can range in complexity, from unstructured methods – like through a simple stack of disks – to more structured, remote approaches offered by service providers. Organizing backup storage and the processes involved can be an overwhelming job. But more and more are realizing the importance behind it, and many are ready for an uncomplicated and reliable approach.

John Manganaro, Product Manager for leading Web hosting provider, Hostway, told TopHosts that they’ve been highly aware of the ever-growing need for an effective, yet simple, backup solution. He says demand has increased steadily over the past five years, prompting Hostway to create DataProtect, an easy-to-use online back up system, which keeps information safe within their state-of-the-art, Tier 1 data centers.

“As a whole, DataProtect is easy to use, and follows the ‘set it and forget it’ model of usage,” Manganaro said. “We want our customers to be able to easily setup the product and not have to worry about opening it again unless they need to restore files on to their computer.”

Hostway designed DataProtect with simplicity, and reliability in mind. Manganaro says the setup is seamless and that the backup and restore functions “are as simple as pressing a button.” The product is also virtually invisible to customers until they need to restore lost or corrupted data from Hostway’s data centers.

After purchasing DataProtect, customers can operate it as an easy-to-use desktop application. They choose which files they want to backup to Hostway’s data center, and schedule how frequently these are to take place – allowing for multiple instances per day. The process is faster than other systems on the market, as subsequent backups transmit only the changes to files, enabling quicker completions that don’t tax a system’s resources.

Another important advantage of using a product like DataProtect, according to Manganaro, is reliability and peace of mind. To counteract unforeseen disasters, such as fires or earthquakes, Hostway’s data protection approach utilizes an extra, offsite measure, which adds another level of security.

“Another shortfall to storing data using traditional means is that frequently people don’t follow the next step of keeping their backups in a different location than the original source,” Manganaro said. “Hostway’s DataProtect solution offers secure, offsite storage which adds another level of security to backing up critical digital data.”

The scheduling and automation process is also built secure. Automatic data backups make use of a 448-bit encryption for all data transfer and communication to Hostway’s data center. And through DataProtect’s unique password-protected Web Restore site, users can easily restore lost files online, from any computer at any time.

Manganaro explained that small to medium sized businesses (SMBs) in the professional services, retail, legal and finance/insurance sectors have responded most to the new product, and are now generally more comfortable with the concept and technology. The primary market for Hostway’s DataProtect are companies with 1-4 employees and making between $1 to 2.5 million in annual revenue.

To make DataProtect affordable and convenient to their SMB target market, Hostway offers flexible Multi-User plans. Regardless of the amount of data space purchased, customers can add up to 150 users to whom they can allocate space. Through this approach, customers can choose a plan that has the amount of data they need and not worry about additional users.

Customers can purchase DataProtect as a stand-alone solution or bundle it with their pre-existing hosting account.

With online backup and recovery features addressed, Manganaro says DataProtect will continue to evolve into new realms. Hostway is working on developing online file sharing and collaboration methods that will compliment the product.