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Network backup software revved

Connected has just released the latest version of its Connected Network Backup software, which allows dead systems be resurrected.

Stephen Shankland Former Principal Writer
Stephen Shankland worked at CNET from 1998 to 2024 and wrote about processors, digital photography, AI, quantum computing, computer science, materials science, supercomputers, drones, browsers, 3D printing, USB, and new computing technology in general. He has a soft spot in his heart for standards groups and I/O interfaces. His first big scoop was about radioactive cat poop.
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  • Shankland covered the tech industry for more than 25 years and was a science writer for five years before that. He has deep expertise in microprocessors, digital photography, computer hardware and software, internet standards, web technology, and more.
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Stephen Shankland
Most companies are never happy to hear about executives on the road being stalled by a malfunctioning laptop. But for Connected Corporation, waylaid mobile professionals are a business opportunity.

Connected has just released the latest version of its Connected Network Backup (CNB) software, which allows a person with an Internet connection to resurrect a system configuration dating back to the time the computer last worked.

CNB 4.0, which costs $140 for each machine and $6,000 for the server that stores the configuration information, is aimed at companies with lots of employees, said Mike Grandinetti, vice president of marketing at Connected. Cisco Systems, for example, has the system set up on 10,000 of its computers, he said. Other companies, including IBM and US West, repackage the software, he said.

The software runs automatically in the background, sending configuration and data file information in the background. To save time, the software only sends the actual file if it's not already on the server, and even then it updates only the parts of files that have been modified instead sending the entire thing, said Glen Gaudet, senior product marketing manager.

As long as the computer still has an operating system, the software can restore it, complete with data files, shortcuts, and other customizations. The software works on Windows 95, 98, and NT machines. Apple Macintoshes aren't in widespread enough use to make a business case for the software, said Gaudet.