A choice exists for people regarding data transfer and storage. There are also a lot of software solutions that are designed for the same purpose. Both are able to backup or transfer data
between hard drives or disks.
Software
In discussing the benefits of using a disk duplicator, software that does the same task cannot be disregarded. Backup software solutions are made for different operating system environments. In choosing software, compatibility with the operating system environment and computer specifications must also be considered. There are software solutions that can clone a single hard drive sector by sector to another slave hard drive. More advanced programs can clone hard drives intelligently exactly like disk duplicators.
Symantec’s Ghost for network software is an example of this kind of software. It allows simultaneous multicasting of a load or image to several computers that are connected in a network.
A big advantage software has over hardware is the cost for single drive uses. The cost of software is much cheaper – usually below US$50. Some are even free.
The disadvantages of using software, however, are numerous. It does require a dedicated computer where the software is installed. It requires a person who is tech savvy. The person must know how to assign slave drives for one. The computer must also be turned on. If the computer isn’t running and external USB or firewire bridge is used, the transfer of data is much slower.
Transferring over networks for multiple computers, in the end, is more expensive. It may be ideal for some organizations that upgrade their computers once in a while. But in the long run, the cost of maintaining the network and licensing fees of software makes it more expensive. Not as cost-effective. Compared to using hardware, it is still much slower. It takes approximately 10 times longer to have information pass through the network than using hardware.
Hardware
Hardware, on the other hand, or disk duplicators are simpler to use. A person only needs to push a few buttons. It does not have to work with licensing fees. Using hardware spares people from dealing with networks or computers. The disk itself and the duplicator is enough. They also are not operation system dependent. As far as speed goes, disk duplicators are very fast. These hardware devices are also more portable. Some models are built for people on the go.
The disadvantage for single drive use or small duplication needs is the price. Personal disk duplicators cost a bit more than software. Another point that might seem to be a disadvantage for some is that it needs direct access to the media. As opposed to using a network, this does mean needing to have the physical hard drive to be cloned.
Conclusion
As mentioned at the beginning, people have a choice. Both software and hardware data backup solutions have their set of advantages and disadvantages. It becomes a matter of determining how often a person needs to backup data. How many data storage devices are used. How fast they need it done. Of course, last but not the least, how much they are willing to pay.
