General

1. Why do we have to backup offsite if we already have a tape backup systems?
Tape backups require more processes and are comparatively more tedious and time-consuming. Moreover, tape is slow and sequential, making it more difficult to locate files quickly. Offsite internet backup is able to offer random access, hence is significantly time-saving, and its read/ write efficiency will also lead to increased productivity and lower operating costs. The cost of disk drives is also getting more competitive than tape making this solution even more viable in the longer run.

2. I have been storing large amounts of my data on CD-ROMs, tapes or diskettes. It is more economical and I feel I have better control of my data since I keep it within my reach. How does using OBR improve on my current way of backing up data?
OBR is ideally suited for storing important and confidential data. Encryption provides the confidentiality and the fact that you are keeping data at a remote location, drastically reduces the chances of complete data loss. With OBR, you can access your data from anywhere and anytime.

3. Will my files also be infected if other users sharing the same server have virus-infected files?
No, your files will not be infected. This is because users' files or programs are only stored in encrypted format and are not able to run on our machines thereby denying the virus the ability to spread.

4. How does your software application ensure the security and confidentiality of the data that is stored in the servers?
Data is encrypted using the AEs (Advanced Encryption Standard) algorithm with a strength of 128 bits before it leaves your workstation. Hence your data is secure during transmission through the network and when it is stored in the server.

Installation

1. Why are your installation programs so large?
Our installation programs for Windows is around 17MB and for Linux, it is 26MB. Our program is written in Java and it is very small in size, about 2MB. However, you still need to download the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) for OBR to run. Unfortunately, the JREs for the various platforms are large.

2. How do I obtain the latest software version?
Every time when you run OBR, your servers will check the version that you are using and the latest version will be automatically downloaded.

3. What should I do if I have forgotten my Password? Will I lose my data too?
If you have forgotten your Password, your Administrator will be able to reset the Password for you. You will not lose your data. But you will be prompted to change your password.

4. Can I change my Username?
Sorry, you cannot change your Username.

5. What type of connection do I need to use OBR?
OBR can run on either dial-up connection (56Kbps modem), broadband or cable modem. The faster your Internet connection, the faster your backup and restoration process.

6. Can OBR work through corporate firewalls and proxy servers?
OBR is able to work with firewalls and proxy servers.

7. Can I use OBR when I travel out of Singapore?
Yes, as long as you have an Internet connection and OBR installed.

8. What are the operating systems supported?
OBR runs on Microsoft's Windows operating system and Mac (with OS 10 and Above).

9. What are the system requirements?
Workstation with a minimum Pentium 4 processor, 512MB ram, with 20 GB hard disk.

10. Does OBR support Macintosh?
Yes, OBR supports the Mac OS 10.

Backing Up

1. How do I know that the files which I have backed up are safe in the data center?
You can check your files in the User Interface (UI) under the button REPORTS and choose the type of reports that you would like to print out. At the same time, an email will be sent to your email address giving you a summary of files/folders that you have backup in the data center.

2. Can I do backup on one particular files/folders when I have already ticked other files in my previous backup?
Yes, you can un-tick all your previous files and tick only that particular files/folders. OBR is able to recognize the files/folders as an individual backup.

3. What happen if I choose version '0' and subsequently I change it to version '2', will my files be over-written?
The version numbers in the system is to assist you to keep the number of files that you have backed up and by changing the version number it will not over-write your files/folders. This is only a precautionary measure taken just in case you need to recover your old files.

4. What happen if I am given only 100MB from my Administrator and I have exceeded my memory, will the system allows me to continue with my backup?
No, you will be prompted by the system that those files/folders you wish to backup have exceeded your memory allowed.
There is also a storage bar indicator on the User Interface which shows you how much memory space is available for you to backup.
If you need to backup the new files/folders, we would recommend that you delete your old backup sets.

5. How do I use OBR to backup my data?
Login to OBR. The "Backup" tab will be selected by default. Click on the "+" and select the folder(s) and/ or file(s) that you wish to backup. Then, click the "Backup" button.

6. How often should I backup my data?
You can backup your data any time you wish to.

7. How long does it take to backup my data?
The time taken to backup your data depends on your Internet connection speed, your file size and whether it is the first or subsequent backup. Since OBR performs differential backup during subsequent backups, the backup time will be more efficient.

8. Can I backup my data from another computer using the same account?
Yes you can. However, it can be confusing having backup sets belonging to various workstations in the same account. We would advise each workstation to have its own OBR account.

9. What happens if my backup activity is interrupted half way?
The system is able to reconnect the internet connectivity for you.

Restoring Data

1. How do I use OBR to restore my data?
Login to OBR. Select the "Restore" tab. Select the folder(s) and/ or file(s) that you wish to restore. Click the "Restore" button. Select a location to restore your file(s), then click "Start" to restore your folder(s)/ file(s).

2. Can I restore my data to another computer?
So long as you have installed OBR and are a registered user, i.e. you have a username and password, you can restore/ access your data from any workstation with an Internet connection or Local Area Network.

3. At which time-source does the timestamp on my backup sets get based on?
The timestamp on your backup sets is based on the time-source from your workstation. Therefore, to facilitate an easier process when restoring your data, please ensure that the time from your workstation is accurate.

4. How often can I retrieve my data? Do you charge for retrievals?
You can retrieve your data any time with no limits.

5. Will my data still be in the server after I have retrieved it each time?
Your data will be kept in the server until you delete your data sets.

Trial Users

For security purposes, we strongly encourage you to sign up for another
trial account.

However, if you would like us to assist you in resetting your password,
please email your user name to expansg@singtel.com.

Please take note that the response time for email support is 24 hours.

Subscribed Users

Please contact your company's IT administrator/ appointed personnel
holding the Master Key to assist you in resetting the password.

You will be prompted to change your password once your previous password is reset.
You will then be able to access your data.