BlackArmor Backup

The other half of the Seagate software suite is called BlackArmor Backup. This is a optional utility that does just what the title says, its sole purpose is to backup data from your computer. 

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Unlike BlackArmor Discovery, BlackArmor Backup is a little more complicated. It first started with the registration code, which by the way is good for 10 computers. Instead of printing the registration code on the CD case, the code was printed inside the BlackArmor User's Manual. Next I tried the #1 reason to install the software, and that is to create and schedule a backup. After dealing with nag pop-ups for user permissions for about 20 minutes, I finally was able to schedule a backup event which worked. However, each time I try to edit my scheduled event, I still receive annoying permissions pop-ups. Which by the way, is not really in the setup procedure.

The Seagate BlackArmor Backup utility has a lot of features that a person may use on down the road, but its purpose in life is to keep important data backed up. In this case, I'm still not really sure that is actually happening due the permissions issue. Seagate really needs to work on the BlackArmor Backup utility and set a goal of creating a software utility more like the one Western Digital uses that backs up data in real time as it changes. I really don't like compressed backup files that I can't navigate to and view. I would rather have my data mirrored to the backup drive. Sure, it takes up more space, but at least I know it's there if I ever need it and it can be retrieved without reinstalling the backup utility after a hard drive crash.

Conclusion

I've really come to enjoy the BlackArmor NAS 440 after weeks of use and abuse. I've done everything I can to crash it such as popping out a hard drive while it was powered on, rebuilding the RAID array, and backing up my entire system over and over again. Yes, data transfer rates are not the best over a network, but there just isn't a better or cheaper way to securely store and share data over a network than with a NAS.

The BlackArmor Discovery utility and web based access of the NAS 440 just couldn't please me more. It is easy to use, self explanatory and it works flawlessly. However, the BlackArmor Backup utility aggravated me to no end. Seagate needs to strip out all the extras and concentrate on making the backup feature better without all the permission hassles. If it wasn't for fighting with the backup permissions, I probably would have given the software higher ratings.

The quality and workmanship of the unit is adequate, but it's in an all plastic housing and for nearly $1100, I think Seagate could have done better. Sure, plastic is inexpensive and easy to mold, but a metal housing would give the unit a high quality feel and look. Not to mention make the customer believe they are getting more for their money.

Overall, I am very pleased with the BlackArmor and I'd love to keep one running 24/7 in my shop. It's just what I need to replace my outdated and extremely large full tower file server. Sure, the BlackArmor Backup utility needs work, but the BlackArmor NAS is nearly flawless. In fact it's one of the best NAS boxes I've seen. Club O.C. Recommended.

Performance:	5 out of 5
Innovation:	4 out of 5
Quality:	4 out of 5
Stability:	5 out of 5
Aesthetics:	4 out of 5
Software: User Interface	5 out of 5
Software: Backup Utility	2 out of 5
Value:	4 out of 5
Project Skill Level (5 being most difficult)	3 out of 5