Backup Solution Backblaze Streamlines Data Protection for Users
Individuals seeking a reliable data backup solution are increasingly turning to Backblaze, a service that offers effective cloud storage options tailored for users with specific needs. Among those users is a tech enthusiast who recently shared their positive experience with Backblaze, highlighting its advantages over traditional cloud storage services.
Transitioning from Traditional Solutions
For years, the user struggled to justify expenses on software, with their only significant purchase being an app called Link2SD for an outdated Samsung Galaxy Ace. Even in professional settings, they hesitated to invest in software like Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft 365, primarily using the latter for its cloud storage capabilities. After realizing they rarely utilized over 100GB of the 1TB Microsoft 365 plan, they canceled the subscription in favor of a Network-Attached Storage (NAS) system. This shift raised concerns about data backup, leading them to explore options.
Backblaze emerged as a suitable solution due to its compatibility with the user’s NAS setup, which operates on Proxmox with TrueNAS in a virtual machine. Unlike conventional NAS systems, this setup features limited redundancy, making backup essential. TrueNAS Scale includes options to back up data to various locations, with Backblaze being a recommended target. The user created a free Backblaze account and set up a B2 bucket, allowing them to select specific datasets for backup.
Affordable and Flexible Pricing
Previously, the user had subscribed to OneDrive, paying approximately $7 per month for 1TB of cloud storage, which they rarely utilized. With Backblaze, the pricing structure is notably different. At a rate of $6 per month per terabyte, combined with a pay-as-you-go approach, the service becomes cost-effective, particularly for families or individuals with multiple accounts. The first 10GB is free, and the user reported that their combined data usage totals about 160GB, resulting in a monthly fee that has never exceeded $2.
While Backblaze does charge for certain API transactions, the user emphasized that even with increased usage, costs remained low. Compared to OneDrive or Google Drive, Backblaze’s model offers significant savings, particularly for users who only require backup solutions rather than everyday file access.
Despite being classified as a cloud storage service, Backblaze differs from competitors like Google Drive and OneDrive. Instead of providing a user-friendly interface for regular file browsing, Backblaze focuses on data protection. Users can access files when necessary, but the service lacks features such as thumbnails or built-in file viewers. This design is intentional, as it prioritizes backup functionality over user-accessibility.
The user noted that Backblaze effectively maintains the structure of selected datasets, allowing for straightforward restoration if the NAS were to fail. With a fresh hard drive, they could easily re-establish their NAS setup using the backed-up data.
The user reflected on how Backblaze has influenced their journey into self-hosting, remarking that without such an affordable backup solution, they may not have pursued their current tech projects. The ease of initiating a backup at a low cost made the decision to invest in self-hosting straightforward.
In summary, Backblaze has proven to be a reliable and economical backup solution for users seeking to protect important data while minimizing expenses. As more individuals and families explore similar technology setups, Backblaze remains a noteworthy option for effective data management.
