Genie9 Corporation, the company behind the Genie Timeline backup tool, has introduced a new cloud-based backup for businesses and families. Timeline Cloud features the usual cloud-based backup tools, plus adds in some unique features that could prove invaluable for businesses and families.

The most notable feature offered is Cloud Disaster Recovery, which makes it possible to restore a computer to working order via the Internet or network. Timeline Cloud is also designed to be administered from the web, allowing one person to set up and manage backup policies for employees or other family members. Genie9 claims that configuring backup plans takes just five minutes.

The web-based dashboard breaks down the configuration process into three simple steps: first, the administrator chooses how the backup will be deployed, with three broad choices (email link, manual deployment and via Active Directory).

Second, the backup policy itself is created -- a number of smart selections are available, including email, Documents, Office files and the Disaster Recovery component, plus the administrator can manually select files and folders. There are also some preferences to set -- for example, the client can create a special boot partition that allows the computer to be restored remotely even in the event of Windows failing to boot.

Finally, the administrator waits for computers to install the client software, then approves and selects a backup plan for each user as they come online. Once done, the backup process begins.

Timeline Cloud also has numerous restore options, both through the client software and via the web-based dashboard. Thanks to the Disaster Recovery component, computers can even be restored remotely in the event of disaster.

Prices start from $9.95 per user per month for Timeline Cloud Business plans, and $14.95 per month for a small (five-user) Family plan.