An open source strategy for Mozy.com

Mozy.com provides a hosted backup service which allows users to save a copy of their data on a remote site. It is ran by a Utah company called Berkeley Data Systems.

To get started using Mozy, you first install their client on your Windows operating system. They do not have a Linux client, but a Macintosh client is said to be in development. Next, the Mozy client helps you select which data you would like to backup and then proceeds to encrypt it and send a copy of your data to the Mozy servers.

Mozy currently offers 2 GB of free storage to all users. If you find that you need more storage, you can purchase a monthly subscription for a reasonable free. This is sometimes called a "freemium" business model, and it is an excellent way for users to evaluate a product.

However, I believe that there is an even better business model for Mozy. I want to make the case for a open source strategy for Mozy, with the intent of increasing demand for Mozy services when compared to the current model.

1. Open source the Mozy backup client and server applications, which will include a basic feature set
  • People who want to host their own "Mozy" backup system can now do so
  • Businesses can backup their data to a branch office for business continuity
  • Families can backup their data to the home of a relative
2. Continue to sell a hosted backup service
  • Provide 2 GB for free to users
  • Offer higher storage amounts for a monthly fee
  • Include more features than the open source version (widget frosting business model)
3. Offer support services for people who choose to host their own "Mozy" system
  • Many businesses would like to efficiently backup their data to a disaster recovery site
  • Many businesses would need help implementing this complex system correctly
4. Reasons people will upgrade to the hosted subscription service
  • They prefer a hassle-free way to manage their backups
  • They don't have the expertise to correctly implement the system
  • They want the advanced feature-set that is included with hosted accounts
  • They want the performance and high-availability of an enterprise data-center
5. Benefits to Mozy for using the open source model
  • Creates buzz and interest in your company and products
  • An increase in users will result in more paying customers
  • Supporting business who implement "Mozy" provides an addition revenue stream
  • The Mozy community will help to quickly develop a Linux client
  • It is a great way to give back to the open source community, since there is a high-probability that Mozy uses open source software within their business
6. Companies with similar business models
If you know someone who works for Mozy, please forward them this plan.

Comments

  1. Anonymous12/06/2006 9:36 PM

    Not a bad idea at all. Although I understand that it would be quite a radical change of strategy.

    I suggest a first step of opening the source of the clients.

    This would:
    1. allow others to port it to other operating systems, hence creating a larger target market.
    2. make customers feel more secure by understanding and being able to see the actual encryption code.
    3. allow companies to make desired modifications, hence bringing in customers with very deep pockets.

    This small step has a huge economic benefit without changing the business strategy. Your great proposed changes could come more gradually.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Tristan Rhodes12/21/2006 6:59 PM

    Lonnie,

    I agree with your comment. Open sourcing the client would be a great first step that would not require a large risk on their part.

    Tristan

    ReplyDelete
  3. Unknown1/23/2007 4:57 PM

    I suggest that you watch your grammar in order to increase your credibility.

    eg. It is ran by a Utah company

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous5/22/2007 6:40 PM

    FYI to All: There is a "pro" version (but doesn't implement any of these ideas) that is supposed to be for business' and higher-end users. It can be found at mozypro.com. Currently, as of this comment posting, it is priced at $3.95 per license (meaning per box I guess?) plus $0.50 per GB of storage.

    Unfortunately, I didn't find Mozy/MozyPro until AFTER I signed up for a year subscription with carbonite (carbonite's not a bad service...but it doesn't allow scheduled backups).

    I generally agree with this posting and think it would pretty much work. The open source concept is such a great idea for so many products/services for so many reasons!! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous5/17/2008 11:36 PM

    You can already make backups relatively easily by using rsync. Combined with a file system that supports snapshots (like NetApp or ZFS, or even NTFS with Shadow Copy on Windows Server 2003+), companies should be able to get all the redundancy they could ever want.

    Granted, it might be a bit complex for the average home user -- but a decent IT guy should be able to get rsync working in no time.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous11/05/2008 3:36 PM

    get extra 512 MB free space with this code:

    https://mozy.com/?code=KMLYU7

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous11/09/2008 5:29 AM

    The time limited offer which allow you to gain extra 512mo on Mozy.com is back online (so you'll get 2.5GB online when creating a new account instead of 2GB) with this ref link :
    http://mozy.com/?ref=UXDC65

    ReplyDelete

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