Written by Simon James 20 April 2009 Last Updated on 20 April 2009

File Pty Ltd has launched a secure online backup solution designed specifically for the health sector.

Dubbed MEDI Vault, the system allows practices and other health care organisations to encrypt and upload their important data to redundant MEDI Vault servers located in multiple hosting facilities spread across Brisbane.

The system is designed to perform backups incrementally, which means that only files that have been modified since the last backup need to be transferred. To expedite the client’s initial backup, MEDI Vault allows users with large amounts of data to provide an initial “snapshot” of their data on an external hard drive. Subsequent daily backups are then conducted via the user’s Internet connection.

The MEDI Vault system is compatible with all major operating systems including Microsoft Windows, MacOS X and Linux. Interaction with the system is achieved via a web interface that allows the user to select which files to backup and at what frequency. In addition to static data, the system can also replicate SQL databases and backup Exchange email servers.

According to the company, the technology deployed by MEDI Vault is used by over 100,000 customers in the US, where the technology complies with HIPAA privacy requirements.

Kevin Burdett, MEDI Vault Business Development Manager, said the same technology can aid compliance with relevant Australian health data requirements also.

“In the Australian context, the solution will allow general practices to comply with the RACGP Accreditation Standards for Management of Health Information (4.2.2) with a simple, cost effective, secure capability,” Mr Burdett said.

Prices for the service start at around $2 per day for workstations, and $4 per day for servers. Users are able to upload unlimited amounts of data each month.