We started tackling this very problem years ago. Very similar goals:

• no backup schedules
• automatic file selection
• ZUI - Username, password, push start.
• top notch encryption
• delta block file transfer
• unlimited versioning
• automatically sensing internet usage / user presence
• running in idle background priority
• TCP / Nat traversal so users dont' have to config their firewalls (ZUI means routers too!)
• file transfer prioritization
• automatic archive verification to insure your backup will restore
• Web application to support you when you're not at your machine
• Many more features.. you get the idea.

One big difference - we do all your files to as many destinations as you choose. Our research showed people liked knowing where their data was. Also, for practical restore reasons, it's best to know which machine has all your data so you're backup and running quickly.

One of the big challenges was teaching ZUI users how to backkup to another machine. Obviously you can't discover your friend Bob down the street automatically. How do you "buddy up"?

We decided to go with the "friends" list where you invite people, and then allow them to use a specific machine. Of course, this is only required if it's not another one of your machines you're backing up to.

One of the big lessons learned about this ZUI app is the challenge in communicating it's power. It looks so SIMPLE. How do you charge for something that's more advanced yet looks less sophisticated?

Imagine two cards, one has tons of really sex buttons, dials on the dashboard, etc. It looks hi-tech. It looks complicated, wow, lots of value there.

Now there is our car, no buttons anywhere. The windows go up and down automatically, the AC? Automatic. Steering wheel? It drives itself.

We hid a few buttons and controls in a dusty corner, but you get my point. People often decide based on apparent sophistication.

Just because I don't display 20.392Kb/sec on the screen, doesn't mean I don't know that and am using that info to better your user experience.

There is a screenshot on our site if you want to see it in action.

~Matthew