Bandwidth Optimized Backup

In order to ensure that backup happens as quickly and efficiently as possible, CTERA uses state-of-the-art incremental update and data de-duplication techniques, so that only data that has actually changed is uploaded. In addition, multiple identical or highly similar files across the network are detected, and only the parts that are different are backed up.

Users can also restrict (throttle) the bandwidth used for backing up files online, at all times or only during certain hours of the day, to minimize the impact on Internet activity.

Backup Sets

A backup set represents a group of files of certain types and/or that are located in specific folders.

The Cloud Attached Storage device includes numerous built-in backup sets of both types that are modifiable and ready for use. Simply enable the desired backup sets to start using them.

Backup Security

In addition to using 128-bit SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) connections, the same security mechanism used by banks, all data is encrypted using 256-bit AES encryption and fingerprinted by 160 bit SHA-1 digest, to ensure it is protected against unauthorized access.

For even stronger security, users can choose a personal secret passphrase to control access to backups.

Learn more about online backup security…

Restore Methods

Restore files from online backup in the following ways:

• Restore all files to a previous version via the Cloud Attached Storage device Web interface

• Restore individual files or folders directly from your Windows Vista or Windows 7 PC using CTERA’s Virtual Cloud Drive™ feature

• Download files from your CTERA web account, which you can access from anywhere using a browser.

RAID Arrays

(Supported on the C200/C400 only)

Cloud Attached Storage is divided into arrays, each of which consists of one or more physical hard drives. Supported array types include:

• Linear Concatenation (JBOD)

• RAID0 (Striped) / RAID1 (Mirrored)

• RAID5 (Striped, parity) / RAID6 (Striped, double parity) - C400 only

Each array type provides a different method of data distribution, resulting in various degrees of storage reliability and array capacity.

Logical Volumes

Divide each array into multiple volumes, which are logical partitions on the array. The volumes can be resized, as needed.

Clientless Sync

Clientless Sync allows to synchronize files from any computer on the network to a folder on the Cloud Attached Storage device. It uses Windows File Sharing (CIFS) and runs entirely from the Cloud Attached Storage device.

Sync Rules

Sync Rules offer an advanced way to synchronize files from any computer on the network (or on the Internet) to the Cloud Attached Storage device, and vice versa.

Sync Rules support synchronizing data from and to network computers using a variety of methods, including Windows File Sharing (CIFS), WebDAV, rsync and the CTERA Agent. You can also use Sync Rules to keep two local folders on the Cloud Attached Storage device in sync.

FTP Server

Enable FTP access to allow users to access and download shared files from a CTERA FTP Server.

Users must be authenticated in the CTERA FTP Server, in order to access network shares. However, anonymous (unauthenticated) downloads from a specific folder can also be allowed.

Fine-Grained Access Control

Control user access to the Web interface and/or shared folders, by adding the desired users in the Web interface.

Access control is based on users and user groups.

Status Dashboard

The Status Dashboard provides an overview of the Cloud Attached Storage device's current status, including the following:

• The disk drive information, depending on the platform

• Volume information

• Resource utilization information

• Scheduled backup operations information

• Recent logged events

Comprehensive Logging

Cloud Attached storage devices include powerful logging capabilities. The Event Log includes the following log categories:

• System logs

• Access logs

• Backup logs

• Synchronization logs

• Audit logs

Syslog Logging

Email Alerts

The Cloud Attached Storage device can be configured to send email alerts on a variety of event types.

Automatic Firmware Updates

Users can configure your Cloud Attached Storage device to automatically download and install firmware updates. Alternatively, firmware updates can be installed manually.

Configuration Backup/Restore

Users can back up the Cloud Attached Storage device configuration to a file on your computer, and use this file to restore the Cloud Attached Storage device settings as needed.