Backup Your Photos Online

I recently received a message saying that Google Documents was now allowing all file formats to be stored on its server. The price seemed reasonable: free for 1 GB, $5.00/year for 20 GB, etc. After further investigation, I learned that Microsoft’s Windows Live SkyDrive offers 25 GB for free, with the disadvantage that files must be 50MB or less.

I have always recommended using multiple storage options and an online service would be another way to ensure that my photos are not lost to hard drive crashes, etc.

Currently my photos are stored on my computer and on an external hard drive. I have some CDs but am not currently transferring photos to these discs due to cost their low capacity.

I know that there are other services: Mozy, Carbonite, and others will allow you to backup your photos for about $5.00/month. I have never wanted to commit myself to an ongoing maintenance fee and free or even $5.00/year seems a lot better than $5.00/month.

My plan is to initially store videos and StoryBooks on Google since these have relatively large file sizes. My StoryBooks are about important events, and if I have these files I can always reprint the pages. I am also concerned about saving videos since Youtube and Facebook are not preservation strategies, and these videos are not yet part of my StoryBooks.

I have included a poll with this posting and would love to know if you are using online backup services and what your thoughts are.

About Mark Mizen

I have over twenty years professional experience in all aspects of photography and digital imaging. I am Chair of the ISO WG5 TG2 committee responsible for physical properties and durability of imaging material and am currently with HID Global working on systems for security printing for IDs, licenses, and credit cards. Previously, I was Director of Digital Development at Creative Memories from 2009 to 2012 and was responsible for the Creative Memories digital products and services. I also established and directed the Creative Memories Technology Center, which evaluated new products prior to product introduction, assisted with production difficulties, and provided technical information to support product sales.

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1 Response to Backup Your Photos Online

Glenda says:

April 30, 2010 at 7:03 pm

I am not using an online storage service as free is best but I would like to know, feel confident, that they would be safe there as in my home.