ArkData - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How is the ArkData Arkive system different from other backup systems?

Though there are many advantages to the ArkData Arkive system we are unique with our daily monitoring services.  We make sure you backup is working smoothly every day.  We have replaced other backup systems that stopped backing up for various reasons, and the customer didn't even know they had stopped backing up until they system failed and they needed to recover.

ArkData support will notify you by phone and/or email.

Q: Do you do a 'base metal' copy?

No, ArkData Arkive is a file level back system.

Q: How does the ArkData Arkive™ system work?

The Arkive system works using USB external hard drives.  You can use one or two.   If you use two, then you can take one off-site whenever you want.  Arkive alternates backups between drives.  It doesn’t matter which one you take out -  the system knows how to backup with either one or two drives in place.

The Arkive system uses a combination of Archival and Incremental files - The Archival files are created from data that has not changed for a period of time.  Weekly Incremental files keep data that has changed.  The Arkive system manages space by recycling files and compressing data.  You don’t have to keep adding external drives.

The Arkive software backs up your system automatically every day at a time you specify.  Updates to the software are downloaded automatically over the Internet.  Arkive takes all the thinking out of backing up your system.

Q: I have tape backup hardware. Can ArkData make use of this?

By design, ArkData Arkive™ only supports hard-drive backup, and does not support tape backup. We do not consider tape backup to be cost effective enough or reliable enough for small-to-medium business backup.

Q: Does ArkData support Macs or Linux?

ArkData does not support the Apple Mac platform or the Linux platform at this time.