Norton Cloud-based Backup Released

Symantec released their newest product today, Norton Online Backup. The cloud-based service brings automatic data backup online, where they can provide more flexibility and security. Online Backup has been available for businesses through the Symantec Protection Network (corporate software as a service), but now makes the jump to consumers' homes. In fact, Norton Online Backup is intended to be used to backup files on every PC in your household.

Interestingly enough, as consumer storage continues to increase by 53%, only 2% of consumers are backing up online. Here's some more stats to put it all in perspective:

• 26% of the population doesn't backup at all


• 25% utilize CD/DVD disc backup


• 28% use a hard drive


• 15% backup on a USB flash drive


• 95% of the population would rather have an IRS audit than lose their PC data

* Sept. 2008 custom Rubicon research

Symantec aims to tailor to (read: profit from) the vast majority of people who don't backup at all, and garner new users converting from older methods. So why consider Norton Online Backup as a great alternative?

Norton Online Backup is a secure, automatic, and competitively priced backup solution.

Here are answers to your other questions about Norton Online Backup:

Do you have a more in-depth review of Norton Online Backup with more details? Of course.

Were you paid to write this? No (but if Symantec is interested...)

Hasn't Symantec had problems and footprint issues in the past? Yes (but they've obviously taken some proactive measures and have significantly improved their products)

What is cloud computing? It's still up in the air, but you might learn more with a few additional blog posts:

Google Gdrive in 2009?

Windows Azure: Microsoft's Answer to the Increasing Irrelevancy of Office

Cloud Computing Is a Trap! GNU Founder Tells Us to Get Our Heads Out of the Clouds

CherryPal and Cloud Computing a Cheap, Viable Alternative to Your Computer?

Do you have any news about anything aside from clouds? Yes, here are some posts you may have missed:

Obama's Bracket, Does Yours Stack Up?

New on TopTenREVIEWS: Digital Scrapbook Elements Review

Recap of the Apple Event: What's New for iPhone OS 3.0

Dell's Adamo Super Slim Luxury Laptop Is Here