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Backblaze has stopped backing up OneDrive and Dropbox folders and maybe others (rareese.com)

1130 points by rrreese · 139 days ago · 693 comments on HN

Article summary

Backblaze, a cloud backup service, has stopped backing up certain folders, including OneDrive and Dropbox, without notifying its users. This change was made quietly, with the only mention of it being in the release notes under 'Improvements'. The author of the article is upset about this change, as they had been using Backblaze for years and had recommended it to others. The author argues that this change goes against the principle of backing up all user data, which was a key feature of Backblaze's service.

Main themes

  • Cloud backup services
  • Data protection
  • Transparency and trust
  • File synchronization vs backup
  • User expectations

What commenters say

  • Backblaze's decision to exclude certain folders from backup without notification is a betrayal of user trust and a failure to deliver on their promise of unlimited backup.
  • The exclusion of cloud storage folders like OneDrive and Dropbox is understandable due to potential performance issues and data duplication, but the lack of transparency is a major concern.
  • Some users argue that cloud storage services like Dropbox and OneDrive already provide some level of backup and versioning, but others counter that this is not a substitute for a dedicated backup service.
  • The definition of 'backup' is disputed, with some arguing that it implies a certain level of versioning and data retention, while others define it more broadly as simply making a copy of data in a separate location.
  • Users are looking for alternative backup solutions, such as Arq, Wasabi, and Borg Backup, due to concerns about Backblaze's reliability and transparency.
  • The importance of regular restore tests and audits is highlighted, as users may not be aware of what data is actually being backed up.
  • Some commenters believe that Backblaze's decision is a sign of a larger problem with consumer online backup software, where companies prioritize ease of use and speed over comprehensive data protection.