Even the most reliable computer is apt to break down eventually. Many professionals recommend that you make two, or even three, backups of all your files. To be especially safe, you should keep one backup in a different location from the others.

Traditionally, most of us use commercial software to automatically back up our files to an external hard disk, attached to our PC or another computer on the network.  But that can get expensive, and it doesn’t store your backup remotely, so any disaster at your office could also wipe out your backup drive.

I've functioned in a paperless office (or semi-paperless) for many years and recognize the importance of data backups when operating in that environment.  However, when I began the transition from clipboard to electronic mobile data collection, I discovered that my backup solutions also needed to extend to my Tablet PC and UMPC. 

As part my preparation for a paperless office seminar this Summer, I began to investigate some of the various off-site backup options, and here's what I found . . .