Backblaze vs iCloud

August 26, 2023 | Author: Michael Stromann
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Backblaze
Backblaze is a pioneer in robust, scalable low cost cloud backup and storage services. Personal online backup to enterprise scale data storage solutions. Backblaze backs up all your data – no questions asked. No picking files. No digging through folders.
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iCloud
iCloud is cloud service done right. It stores your music, photos, apps, calendars, documents, and more. And wirelessly pushes them to all your devices.
Backblaze and iCloud are both cloud storage services, but they have distinct differences in terms of features, pricing, and target audience.

Backblaze is primarily focused on backup solutions for personal and business users. It offers unlimited backup storage for a flat fee, allowing users to securely store and protect their files, documents, and media. Backblaze provides continuous and automatic backup, ensuring that files are securely backed up in the background. It also offers features like versioning, which allows users to restore previous versions of files, and the option to download files via a web interface or have them shipped on a physical hard drive.

iCloud, on the other hand, is an ecosystem of cloud services provided by Apple. While iCloud also offers backup capabilities, it is more comprehensive and integrated with Apple's ecosystem. It provides storage for various types of data, including photos, videos, documents, and app data, which can be synced across Apple devices. iCloud also includes features like iCloud Drive for file storage and sharing, iCloud Photo Library for photo management, and iCloud Keychain for password management.

In terms of pricing, Backblaze offers a straightforward and affordable pricing model based on the amount of data backed up, while iCloud provides tiered storage plans with different storage capacities and associated costs. Additionally, iCloud storage is tightly integrated with other Apple services and devices, making it an attractive option for Apple users who want seamless synchronization and integration across their devices.

See also: Top 10 Online Backup services
Backblaze vs iCloud in our news:

2023. Apple revamps iCloud.com with more features for drive, mail and notes



Apple has introduced a revamped version of iCloud.com, enhancing its functionality for PC users. The redesigned website offers support for browser notifications for Mail and Calendar, allowing users to receive alerts directly on their PCs. Additionally, the homepage is now customizable, enabling users to take quick actions like downloading files, deleting emails, marking tasks as unread, and more. This update builds upon last year's redesign, which included quick-glance widgets for apps like Notes and Pages. Furthermore, iCloud.com now enables users to insert links from one note into another, akin to iOS 17, enhancing the overall user experience and productivity on the platform.


2015. Backblaze offers low-cost Amazon S3 rival



Backblaze, known for its consumer and enterprise backup service, has announced Backblaze B2, a competitively priced cloud storage service that rivals Amazon S3, Microsoft Azure, and Google’s Cloud Platform. Backblaze's service is half the price of Amazon Glacier, an extremely slow cold storage service, and costs only about a fourth of Amazon’s regular S3 service. By opting for Backblaze's low-priced service, you can store an additional copy of your data for approximately 15 percent of the cost compared to Amazon's cloud storage service. Backblaze expects users to utilize B2 for storing images, videos, data sets, and more. The service includes a free tier, offering up to 10GB storage, 1GB/day of outbound traffic, and unlimited inbound bandwidth. Developers can access it through an API and command-line interface, while a web interface is also available for non-technical users.


2014. Apple iCloud to get folders with files, Windows app



Cloud file storage and sync service iCloud is not well-received among Apple enthusiasts for several reasons. Firstly, it exclusively syncs internal app files, preventing users from accessing them outside these apps. Secondly, its pricing is considered expensive ($20 for 20GB), making it a luxury only affordable for Dropbox. Thirdly, it solely functions on Apple devices, even frustrating Apple fanatics who desire more openness. To address these concerns, Apple has introduced an update to the service, now known as iCloud Drive. This revamped version operates similarly to Dropbox, allowing synchronization of any folders with any files. Additionally, it will offer a client for Windows in addition to the existing Mac and iOS apps. Furthermore, Apple has reduced the pricing, starting from $0.99 per month for 20 GB, and a free storage tier of 5 GB will also be available. These improvements are slated to launch in the upcoming fall alongside the release of the new iOS 8 and OSX Yosemite.


2013. Apple launches iWork for iCloud



In terms of business applications, Apple has historically shown less interest, but it recognizes the significance of Office as an essential component of its platform. Competitors such as Microsoft and Google have taken significant strides in this area, surpassing Apple. To address this, Apple made a move to rectify the main drawback of its office suite, which was the absence of an online version. During the WWDC conference in June, Apple officially unveiled iWork for iCloud, making the online applications Pages, Numbers, and Keynote accessible to all through iCloud online accounts (currently in beta). However, these editors currently have limitations that may only appeal to users of MS Office and Google Docs. For instance, the text editor Pages lacks the ability to add tables, and spell check functions are only available in English. Collaboration tools are also absent. On a positive note, users can upload and edit MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents, with formatting being preserved in some cases. Additionally, documents can be downloaded in MS Office formats and PDF.


2011. Apple iCloud delighted SaaS vendors



As you may be aware, on Monday, Steve Jobs once again took the stage to unveil another groundbreaking innovation. This time, however, the focus shifted from small metallic devices to something larger and virtual: iCloud - the new cornerstone of Apple's strategy. From an enterprise perspective, iCloud may not be particularly captivating. Its primary function is to synchronize content and applications across all Apple devices (iPad, iPhone, Mac), thereby enhancing personal productivity. Nevertheless, the advent of iCloud has garnered enthusiastic responses from SaaS vendors such as Box.net, Zoho, and Salesforce. These vendors appear content that iCloud does not pose direct competition, as it exclusively caters to Apple devices and lacks collaborative features. However, iCloud's significance lies in the broader shift from desktop-centric computing to the Cloud, as emphasized by Steve Jobs himself. When Jobs asserts that the center of computing is no longer confined to the iPhone or iPad but resides in the cloud, people believe it, including those in the enterprise realm.


2008. Backblaze: Possibly world's easiest online backup

I recently received a preview of Backblaze, an online backup service or, as it's commonly referred to, cloud storage. This service focuses on one main function: backing up your PC (with Mac support coming soon). Setting it up is incredibly simple; just download and run the software, enter your ID and password, and you're good to go. By default, Backblaze automatically backs up your PC during idle periods, excluding system and program directories, as well as temporary files. There are no storage or bandwidth limitations, and it can store files up to 4GB in size. The cost of Backblaze is quite reasonable at $5 per month. If you want to customize the backup directories or filter out specific file types, you can easily do so in the control panel. The backup schedule can also be adjusted to avoid constantly waiting for idle time. Backblaze offers the option to set a private encryption key, adding an extra layer of security. However, it cannot access open files, meaning it won't back up Outlook email unless you remember to close the application. For a more configurable backup solution, there are other competitive options available, such as Mozy or Carbonite. Backblaze is best suited for individuals who need a simple backup solution and may be intimidated by the technical aspects or lack the motivation to ensure all necessary files are backed up. While Backblaze allows users to access their backed-up files through its website, it is not designed for sharing or syncing. The restore services, in my opinion, are not particularly impressive. Since the app doesn't back up the entire PC, it cannot be used for a complete system rebuild from backup. Restoring data over the web is limited to 1GB at a time in Zip files, or you can opt for a fee-based option of 4.7GB on a DVD, or in case of a major disaster, up to 160GB on a USB hard drive delivered via overnight mail for an additional fee.

Author: Michael Stromann
Michael is an expert in IT Service Management, IT Security and software development. With his extensive experience as a software developer and active involvement in multiple ERP implementation projects, Michael brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his writings. Having previously worked at SAP, he has honed his expertise and gained a deep understanding of software development and implementation processes. Currently, as a freelance developer, Michael continues to contribute to the IT community by sharing his insights through guest articles published on several IT portals. You can contact Michael by email stromann@liventerprise.com