An increasing number of small businesses are focussing their attention on online backup services.

Due to the "tremendous" growth in digital data being created, analysts have predicted that the global online backup services sector is likely to grow to $715 million (£361.9 million) by 2011.

Global intelligence firm IDC made the claims after carrying out research into the field, which revealed that small businesses are now seeking "alternative methods" of ensuring their data is protected.

Doug Chandler, research director for storage services at IDC, said: "Consumers and small businesses especially are interested in alternative methods of protecting their data, as traditional backup methods fall short regarding efficiency, reliability, and ease-of-use.

"Online backup has become an attractive approach for many customers, with the advent of cheaper broadband access, users' greater comfort level with web-based services, and the growing business need for a second site for remote data protection purposes."

IDC also forecasts that the adoption of online backup services among larger businesses and enterprises will pick up "after the first few years".

It notes that market growth would begin slowing in 2010 due to practice standardisation and pricing competition.

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