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Back in April, Microsoft Exchange hosting provider Intermedia (News - Alert) released the desktop version of its Online Backup Service. Now, the hosted Exchange leader is taking this innovative service to another level by introducing a server backup option.

Positioned as a critical part of sound business operations, the Online Backup Service server model can prevent the potential derailment of businesses caused by server issues and malfunctions. By automatically backing up server data to the cloud, the server feature is designed to provide another layer of security and safety for businesses.

“Small and mid-size businesses continue to shift key services like e-mail off their in-house servers into the cloud,” Manlio Carrelli, CMO of Intermedia, told TMCnet. “But many aren’t ready to part with their servers all at once – particularly file servers. The server version of our online backup service enables folks to back up those servers, giving them the protection of an offsite backup to the cloud for critical business information.”

While the desktop solution allows customers to protect and back up files on employees’ desktops and laptops, the server option will now safeguard server-based data from hardware issues or accidental file overwriting. The service, powered by EMC (News - Alert) Corp’s online backup service Mozy, is applicable to customers using Windows 2000, 2003 and 2008 versions.

Using the hosted Exchange e-mail and VoIP calling services control panel HostPilot, businesses can set up and manage both the desktop and server versions of the Online Backup Service. This integrated method grants companies access to necessary cloud services, eliminating the need for multiple control panels and multiple bills to tend to.

By managing the Online Backup Service directly from the HostPilot Control Panel, administrators can add users, observe the backup status for every computer, restore lost files and manage storage. In addition, SQL servers and file servers can be added to users’ backup sets.

The Online Backup Service is available for resale by Intermedia’s Private Label Partners.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2011, taking place Sept. 13-15, 2011, in Austin, Texas. ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. To register, click here.

Tammy Wolf is a TMCnet web editor. She covers a wide range of topics, including IP communications and information technology. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Jennifer Russell