Ok, so I saw a previous post which attempted to answer this question, and I've cut and pasted below. My question is this. From a functional perspective, if all I want is to do is to have my files (data, pictures and video) saved on a machine that is not my own, what is the real difference between the two products? Yes, one is called a backup... and the other is a file sharing service, but as far as I can tell, both allow for my files to be saved on a Norton cloud server. And from the answer below, it sounds like Norton Zone would allow me to more robustly (and quickly) gain access to the backed up files. I currently use Norton Online Backup, and was either going to purchase more space or switch to Norton Zone.
One thing that bothers me about the current backup is that I cannot really see what is there very easily... and I cannot readily identify what specifically is causing a small number of file backups to fail. So, given that a file share would allow for this functionality, that sounds better, yes? Also, the feature set Norton lists for Online backup is sparse. The only thing I see that is relevant is that they backup at a secure "remote" location. OK. But the Norton zone copy says it uses Govt grade encryption and talks about security a fair bit too. Are the storage locations physically different? And if so, what do I as an end user receive with Online backup (from a practical perspective) that I would NOT get from Norton Zone. I am only backing up one machine and would not be file sharing with other users. I just want the functionality piece. The cost appears similar and is not a consideration at all.
Appreciate any clarification.
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Norton Online Backup is intended as a data backup service. It permits you to backup up to 5 PC's or Macs and access the data from any web accessible machine. It also provides versioning aka backup history so you can restore data from past successful backups. Data is also automatically encrypted for transfer and storage. It does offer the ability to share files from the content you've backed up but can take a little time to download files due to the incremental portion of the service and encryption.
Norton Zone is a file sharing service. It basically works like a remote hard drive giving you the ability to access and share the files you upload via multiple devices including mobile devices. Although Norton Online Backup offers the ability to share files Norton Zone is made to be specifically file sharing and will offer a one to one download rather than having to wait for the file to rebuild from an incremental history.
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