Frequent Questions

Q1. How does your service work?

A. Click on the relevant link below for a flow-chart diagram of our service.

High Resolution - PDF - 609kb
Low Resolution - PDF - 162kb

Q2. Who can use HDM services?

A. Anyone. For quick delivery purposes the service is ideal for clients located in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter Valley who require data backups from any computer, be it a business or personal PC.

Q3. Why do I need off-site storage?

A. Simply for protection of your data.  A proper backup procedure is more than copying files to a CD and keeping that CD with your PC. Disaster Recovery Plans strongly recommend the off-site storage of data. In cases of theft or failure of hardware, fire, or virus infections, our off-site storage ensures that your vital data is always safe and available to you for recovery purposes.

Q4. Is the service expensive?

A. You will be surprised at how affordable our service is. Please refer to our Cost Estimator page, or take this link to get there. Costs are reflective of the level of service you request.

Q5. How is my data stored with your service?

A. We provide you with a brand new external Hard Drive Unit (HDU). Simply connect the HDU to power and then your PC via a USB cable, select the files to be copied and your PC will transfer the files to the HDU. The transfer will be at a far higher speed and rate than copying to CDs or DVDs providing a substantial time saving.

Q6. Am I required to purchase a HDU?

A. No. Our service eliminates the upfront purchase cost of the HDU for you. Our monthly service charges include provision of a brand new HDU and remember that after 5 years the HDU becomes your property.

Q7. How often should I backup my data?

A. This decision is left entirely to you as the customer so as to best suit your requirements. Our services cater for daily, weekly, fortnightly, bi-monthly, monthly, quarterly, tri-monthly, bi-annual and annual rotations of HDUs.

Q8. My data is already recorded on CDs/DVDs/Tapes. Can I store these with you?

A. Yes. We also store and rotate data that has been recorded on other media. Please contact us for a cost estimate on 4952-7777.

Q9. I have had a crisis and lost vital data. How quickly can I get my HDU returned?

A. In emergency situations a HDU can be delivered to a client within three hours. Retrievals outside of business hours are also available.

Q10. Who handles delivery and collection of my HDU?

A. HDUs are delivered to and collected from your door by qualified HDM staff; this is to ensure the safety of your data during transport. We do not use sub-contractors.

Q11. How much can I store on a HDU?

A. The HDUs we primarily use come in three sizes:

• 120gb - equivalent to approximately 170 blank CDs
• 250gb - equivalent to approximately 355 blank CDs
• 500gb - equivalent to approximately 710 blank CDs

Q12. What if I need more capacity?

A. Multiple HDUs are available if required.

Q13. Is the HDU compatible with my computer?

A. The HDUs are compatible with all computers operating with either Windows XP or Vista (for PCs) or Mac OSX (For macintosh)

Q14. Do I need an internet connection to use this service?

A. No. We offer peace of mind for your important data. With HDM's service you know exactly where your data is. Internet based services rely on you trusting your data to cyberspace, this allows the family photos to be stored and possibly accessed anywhere in the world

Q15. Does the service require me to install new or specialised software?

A. No.

Q16. Has my HDU been used previously by anyone else?

A. No. As a new client you will receive a brand-new HDU when commencing with HDM services.

Q17. How long are the HDUs used for?

A. To ensure that the units are of top quality, HDUs are used for a maximum of 5 years. Upon retirement the HDU is given to you permanently at no additional cost.

Q18. Who has access to my data? Is my personal, private information safe with HDM?

A. The customer is the only person who has access to the content of their HDUs. This is because the only time the HDU is activated will be when it is in your possession and connected to your PC. It is then immediately stored in our data vault where your data remains in a state of 'hibernation' until required.

Q19. Does anyone else use my HDU? Is it shared with other clients?

A. No. When a customer is provided with a brand new HDU it becomes their own for the duration of the service. The HDU will not be accessed by any other person other than the client.

Q20. How can I be sure my HDU will not be confused with someone else's?

A. Every HDU has a unique serial number and barcode. The barcodes are tracked by our specialist software, ensuring correct scheduling and a complete history of the activity of the HDU is maintained. Did you know your HDU undergoes electronic verification prior to delivery and when collected?

Q21. What if someone tries to recall my HDU without my permission?

A. Strong internal control measures exist at HDM to prevent unauthorised recall of any HDU. We also have security procedures in place such as customer identification, password control, and restricted address deliveries.

Q22. What experience do you have dealing with issues such as timely delivery, privacy considerations and protection of customer information?

A. Hunter Data Management is owned and operated by Hunter Document Management where we have established a professional paper based records storage and retrieval service within the same catchment area. Our reputation with our existing clients is very high and we can provide referees if required.