Norton takes on file sharing and e-mail backup
Symantec released version 2.0 of its Norton Online Backup product, which now supports Mac OS X and allows file sharing between users and Web access to any backed up documents.
Symantec Corp. today released a new version of Norton Online Backup that supports both Windows and Mac operating systems on up to five computers, linked together through the same central account.
Norton Online Backup version 2.0 now allows users to transfer files between any of their computers and with other users. Backed-up files also can be retrieved from any Web connection, including up to 90 days of file revisions.
With Norton Online Backup’s Web browser, users can select and share any of the files they have backed up by generating download links that can be e-mailed to any address. Users who’ve purchased new computers, for example, will be able to use the file transfer feature to populate their machines from current systems.
Norton Online Backup retails for $49.99 per year, which includes 25GB of online storage to back up files from up to five computers. Additional storage space can be purchased incrementally at any time.
“Now consumers can turn to Norton to back up their priceless photos and music collections,” Rowan Trollope, senior vice president of consumer products and marketing at Symantec, said in a statement. “With the combination of our brand, worldwide reach, and these latest technical improvements, we intend to bring online backup to consumers in a major way.”
An advanced search feature also allows users to search for backed-up files by name, date, size or type of file. File backup stores the most current file, even if it’s open, which can be handy for e-mail files.
Also, the file purge and storage management features allow users to remove previously backed-up files in sequential order to clear up available storage space.
Other features include improvements to file migration, automatic initial setup, user settings and a more intuitive redesign of the user interface, Symantec said. Version 2.0 supports cross-platform functionality for Windows XP, Vista, Window 7 and Mac OS X, including Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard).
The upgraded version is available through retail stores and through Symantec’s online store . The new version of Norton Online Backup will be updated automatically for current subscribers within the coming weeks.
