In a sign of the times we are now in, Mozy, the online backup service provider, has now dropped its unlimited backup package due to it becoming financially unsustainable. With ever-increasing media file sizes and consumers looking for extended backup solutions, it was inevitable that something had to give.
Russ Stockdale, Mozy’s vice president of product management, explained, “There has been a change in consumer behavior. What we have seen since we launched an unlimited service five years ago is there has been an explosion in digital content, specifically digital photos and video.”
The Shift in Consumer Behavior
The shift in consumer behavior that Stockdale mentions is not just a minor trend but a significant change in how people use and store digital content. Over the past decade, the proliferation of high-resolution cameras, smartphones, and video recording devices has led to an exponential increase in the amount of data individuals generate. For instance, a single minute of 4K video can take up several gigabytes of storage space. Similarly, high-resolution photos can easily be several megabytes each. This surge in data creation has put immense pressure on backup service providers like Mozy to offer sustainable solutions.
Moreover, the rise of social media platforms and the ease of sharing digital content have further fueled the need for extensive storage solutions. People are not just storing data for personal use but also for sharing with friends, family, and even the public. This has led to a scenario where the traditional unlimited backup model is no longer viable for companies that need to manage and store this ever-growing mountain of data.
Mozy’s New Pricing Structure
However, Mozy is still offering competitive packages starting from $5.99 per month for up to 50GB of data, with extra costing $2 per month per 20GB on top if required. This new pricing structure aims to provide a more sustainable model for both the company and its users. By capping the amount of data that can be stored under each plan, Mozy can better manage its resources and continue to offer reliable backup services.
For users who currently have an unlimited package with Mozy, the ‘unlimited’ feature will remain until the end of their billing cycle. After that, it will revert to a paid pricing structure depending on the amount of data being stored. This transition period allows existing customers to adjust to the new model without immediate disruption.
It’s also worth noting that Mozy’s decision to drop its unlimited plan is part of a broader trend in the industry. Other backup service providers have also started to move away from unlimited plans, recognizing the challenges and costs associated with storing vast amounts of data. For example, companies like Dropbox and Google Drive have also introduced tiered pricing models that offer different levels of storage based on user needs.
In conclusion, while the end of Mozy’s unlimited backup package may be disappointing for some users, it reflects the changing landscape of digital storage and the need for sustainable business models. As digital content continues to grow, both consumers and service providers will need to adapt to new ways of managing and storing data. Mozy’s new pricing structure is a step in that direction, offering a balanced approach that meets the needs of users while ensuring the company’s long-term viability.
Via CNET
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
