/ Office of Research IT / CrashPlan Workstation Backup
What is Code42(CrashPlan)?
Code42 is a software solution for Windows, Mac, and Linux that automatically and securely backs up computer data to the cloud.
How does it work?
Code42 is installed on your computer, scans your drive(s) for files, and backs up the all data, other than your program files and the operating system, to the cloud. Once the first backup is complete, your computer reports any changed data.
The default settings retain a version of your data every fifteen minutes for the last week, every four hours for the last ninety days, and once a day beyond that. Deleted files are not removed from the backup, so those can be retrieved as well.
Are there any file types that Code42 can notbackup?
Once a file has created or updated on your computer, your operating system will notify Code42 that it has changed. As soon as the file has closed, it will transfer it to the cloud. Some files, such as databases or email archives, are not often closed. An example of this is a Microsoft Outlook PST (email archive) file. This file can only back up when Outlook is closed and the computer isnotsleeping. Since this is a business application used daily the required state does not often occur.
Is this software secure?
Yes. Your data is protected with 256-bit AES encryption before it leaves your computer, it is securely transmitted to the Code42 cloud, and remains encrypted at rest. The private keys to this encryption are never shared with Code42 so the vendor has no access to your data. In the event that the Code42 cloud was breached, your data would still not be visible.
Do I have to be on campus to backup or restore?
You do not need to be on campus to backup or restore data with Code42. Your data will back up securely whenever you are connected to the internet, regardless of whether you have VPN connection. You will be able to securely access and restore your data from any computer using our Code42 website or you can restore data from the iOS and Android apps.
Will the Code42application slow down my computer?
We performed an evaluation on over eighty computers of varying ages including Windows PC’s, Mac’s, Linux workstations, file servers, and even virtual computers. On the vast majority of these test computers we saw no performance reduction, even on units we purposely stress tested while running Code42.
What are the minimum system requirements for Code42?
View the Code42 requirement webpage here: System Requirements Document
Why should I get Code42?
Code42 is a fantastic way to make sure your data remains safe, versioned, and geographically redundant. Often times we rely on external hard drives in our offices or homes to keep us backed up, but these drives have very high failure rates and do not protect us against floods, fires, or theft. Those who travel frequently can rest easy with Code42 knowing their data is being backed up even on the road, and that if their computer is lost or stolen on a trip, all their data is accessible from the web or the mobile app.
Code42(Crashplan) Pricing
Individual Plan
Yearly Cost: $87 / user license
Benefits: This plan entitles a customer to unlimited cloud backup and versioning for up to four computers.Customers can customize what data gets backed up and can restore data themselves from any computer with Internet access. Customers also have full access to all of their backed up computers using the iOS and Android apps, which can also be used to restore data.
Limitations:
The maximum number of computers that can be backed up on the individual plan is 4 and can only be added on computers assigned to a single user.This plan also does not have the ability to designate another user as an administrator. If there is a possibility you may exceed this limit or would want another user to assist in the administration of your account, you should request the Lab / Departmental plan.
Great For: Individuals with multiple devices, frequent travelers, and/or power users that may desire to use the capabilities of the platform.
Lab / Departmental Plan
Yearly Cost: $87 / license; $87 / administrator account
Benefits: Unlimited backup/versioning for all computers designated within the lab/department. This plan can back up as many computers as needed and is purchased in blocks of four computer “seats” at a time for $87 per block annually. This plan also allows a lab/department to designate power users and/or departmental IT staff to perform administrative tasks and restore data. Each “administrator” account requires an additional license that costs $87 per year per administrative user.
For example, if a lab had seven computers to backup and wanted one lab manager to be able to control the backups/perform restores, the cost would be $261 per year--$174 for licensing eight computers and $87 for the administrative user account for the lab manager.
Limitations: End computer users are not be able to change backup settings, perform restores, use mobile apps, or receive email notifications (unless the account administrator configured notifications to go to a distribution list).
Great For:Research labs, department-wide deployments, user groups supported by departmental IT staff, user groups with a strong technical lead.
Departments not directly supported by Research and Academic Information Technology will need to consult with their assigned IT support team before ordering. An administration account will need to be allocated and assigned to your IT team so they can assist you with support.
How do I get Code42?
If you have further questions about Code42 please email smdithelp@urmc.rochester.edu or call 274-4444. To enroll in a subscription, fill out the request form here: https://redcap.urmc.rochester.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=TJFT44KRKC. This service is available to the entire University community and is functional with both UR and URMC accounts.
