Appropriate use
CrashPlan PROe is intended to protect laptops and desktops over any internet connection, for users with active SUNet accounts.
CrashPlan PROe can be used on servers, lab machines, computing clusters, kiosks, public access terminals, Network Attached Storage devices and similar devices, but significant limitations and considerations might not make it the best choice. Server backup using Tivoli Storage Manager is available separately from University IT.
The University IT CrashPlan PROe backup service is not a substitute for a long-term storage or data archive strategy. It is intended to provide a measure of security when files are accidentally deleted, a hardware component fails or a computer is lost.
Performance
Most computers on campus will take advantage of Internet2 networking for enhanced performance. Home users with slow internet upload speeds will find reduced performance.
For best results, especially during the initial backup, use Stanford’s wired (Ethernet) network and temporarily prevent your computer from falling asleep.
As a general rule, CrashPlan PROe may not perform as expected on computers with more than 2 TB data or several million files. Actual performance depends on the amount of physical RAM, network throughput, disk speeds, CPU efficiency, and other factors. Review this support article if CrashPlan PROe is running out of memory and crashing due to large file systems.
Additional considerations
Users who depend on cellular data networks (“tethering”) for network connectivity should configure CrashPlan PROe to avoid using their mobile hotspot to avoid costly plan overages. See CrashPlan PROe network configuration documentation to learn how to adjust client network settings.
Because archives are encrypted using an algorithm based on a person's SUNet credentials, they cannot be transferred to another user.
Microsoft Outlook users must take extra precautions to make sure their data is properly protected. CrashPlan has separate support articles for backup and restore.
Special considerations should be taken when backing up certain types of open files, like databases. See CrashPlan PROe support documentation for more information.
Do not back up virtual machine files created on your computer using applications like VMware Fusion or Parallels. Instead, install CrashPlan PROe inside the virtual machine itself.
