While all of the configuration of Sprite Backup can be done through your PC, the application running on your Windows Mobile device can be configured independently and does not require the use of the PC client.  Further, backups and restorations do not require PC intervention as backup files are stored with your device on a Storage Card.  How you need to use Sprite Backup will be determined by your needs but providing a PC/Device partnership of sorts or complete independence gives you the flexibility to choose.

From the Windows Mobile device perspective, Sprite Backup is just as easy yet configurable as the Setup Wizard on your PC.  When you start the application you are presented the options of either Backup or Restore. You will also see the date and time of your last backup next to the Backup function while the location of your backup file is indicated next to the Restore function. This mode, referred to as Basic Mode, is the most straightforward way to use Sprite Backup.

Figure 7:  The Sprite Backup Windows Mobile Basic Interface

If you select the Options menu, you can move Sprite Backup into the Advanced Mode.  Advanced Mode is where you can configure the Windows Mobile application with all of the features and functions that are configured by the PC Agent.  While Basic Mode is somewhat dependent on the configuration provided by the PC client, Advanced Mode allows the Windows Mobile client to be completely independent.  From Advanced Mode you can setup options such as scheduling, what items are backed up, and can even configure a remote backup to your PC via ActiveSync or Network location.

Figure 8:  Sprite Backup Advanced Mode	Figure 9:  Advanced Mode Menu
Figure 10:  Configuring Scheduled Backups	Figure 11:  Configuring Remote Backup

In Advanced Mode you also have the option to review your backup history.  Viewing of the history allows you to see when your backups were completed - handy if you use the scheduling feature - as well as any exceptions that occurred during the backup.

Figure 12:  Backup History	Figure 13:  Backup History Report

As you look at Figure 13, note the Time Elapsed number.  For this backup I had a 17MB backup that was completed in 50 seconds!  This is one of the aspects of Sprite Backup that I truly appreciate:  It is amazingly quick!  Even with password protection and compression, backups do not take more than a few minutes to complete.  This speed is important, especially when on the road.  Like other backup applications, Sprite Backup performs a soft reset of your device before starting the backup process.  This means that during the reboot and backup of your device, you are without your phone for that time period.  This can be critical, especially while traveling on business.  By keeping the backup process time to a minimum, you will be without your phone for only a handful of minutes.  Obviously this will vary by device as some devices reboot more rapidly than others and the amount of data you are backup has an impact as well.  Equally, restorations do take a bit longer but not exquisitely so.

Switching back to Basic Mode, to start a backup simply tap the Backup button.  You are prompted to enter a password to secure your backup file or, if you used the PC client to configure Sprite Backup, the password you entered at that time is pre-populated into the fields.  By tapping OK, a popup menu is displayed warning that your device will be soft-reset in order for the backup process to being.  Tapping OK again will perform the reset and when your device is back up and running, the backup process begins.

Figure 14:  Password Prompt Before Backup Begins	Figure 15:  Don't Say You Weren't Warned!

Once the backup process beings, a progress indicator bar is provided for you to visually how far along the backup process is currently.  Once the backup is completed you are warned again that your device is about to be soft-reset.  At this point you do not have an option to stop the reset procedure.  With this second reset completed and your device back to operating mode, you are shown a small dialog to let you know that the backup was successful.

Figure 16:  Progress Bar During Backup	Figure 17:  A Final Reboot Completed The Backup

The Restore option of Sprite Backup functions identical to the Backup function - only in reverse!  When you tap the Restore option, you are prompted for the password for the backup file if you have enabled password protection.  Once this is entered you are prompted to soft-reset your device which start the restore process once the reset has been performed.

Overall it is hard not to like Sprite Backup.  It performs exceptionally well, is quick and easy to use.  If you are in Basic Mode backups and restores are literally two taps away yet it provides you the flexibility to control how, when and what is backed up or restored. 

Sprite Backup is available through a variety of online retailers including Sprite Software direct and the Clinton Fitch (Dot) Com! Store.  Since Sprite Backup is listed in the Clinton Fitch (Dot) Com! Top 50-ish Application List, it is eligible for a 20% discount at the site store.  To receive the discount simply enter the Coupon Code CFTOP50 when you check out.  In addition to the Windows Mobile Professional version, Sprite Backup is also available in Windows Mobile Standard as well.

Clinton Fitch, MVP-Mobile Devices
Clinton Fitch (Dot) Com!