IBM aims continuous data backup software at SMBs

IBM has partnered with an e-commerce services company to sell its continuous data protection software to consumers and smaller businesses.

IBM is now selling Tivoli Continuous Data Protection for Files through Digital River's oneNetwork channel, which operates e-commerce sites for retailers including Circuit City Stores, PC World, and Staples.

The IBM software backs up data automatically each time changes are made, allowing users to recover earlier versions of a document in the event of a system failure, virus attack or the theft of a computer. The backup can be created to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory stick, external drive or other remote storage system.

It's in a category of products known as CDP (continuous data protection) software. Other vendors targeting the area include Hewlett-Packard, Veritas Software, and FalconStor Software.

The Tivoli product is on sale for $35 per laptop or desktop. IBM began selling the product to corporate customers last September.

Digital River, of Minneapolis, manages e-commerce operations for retailers, handling tasks like site hosting, order management and payment processing. Software vendors offer their products through its oneNetwork channel to broaden their market reach.

Its sales for 2005 jumped 43 percent from the year before, to $220 million, while profits also rose. The company opened new offices last year in Europe and Asia to expand its business there.