A backup by any other name is ‘Prox’

Here’s a new look at a concept that many people have talked about, would regret never getting when they had a chance and could save them from disaster.

This new and amazing concept, or should I say astonishing idea, is a notion whose time has come. It’s a “Why didn’t I think of this before?” revelation.

Sometimes one has to change the narrative for others to recognize its worth. So I am laying the groundwork for what I believe will be a groundswell concept so unpretentious, so easy and so simple you’ll want to do it forever. Well, maybe not forever, but for a long time anyway.

I’m talking about “Prox” – my short name for proxy. You know, a stand-in: someone or something that takes over when you are unable, or busy with other details or have been incapacitated.

Your proxy will be able to keep your social life and business running. It will even find and replace lost items. If you give it the authority, it will schedule and perform duties when you are not there or are busy with other things. It can even take the initiative when you forget.

Prox is quite the professional, don’t you think?

I suppose you could say computer engineers have created artificial intelligence. Prox is so smart it can automatically replace you in certain situations. Just think: You are ready to work on your computer and someone walks through the door wanting your product or service, or perhaps they are a visitor you haven’t seen in a long time and you want to spend time with them. That might mean the job you had planned just got preempted, but it still needs to be done. Prox will take the initiative and step in to do the job for you.

I am proud to present this concept to you. It just thrills me to know you’ll be covered when nothing goes the way it was planned for the day.

Let the Proxy techs put you back on track, back on your schedule, back to work. Prox to the rescue.
It’s so wonderful, you’ll want to give it a raise or take it out for dinner. Prox, you’re my hero. (And a cheap date – just say’n.)

Lest I forget, Prox has another name we affectionately call backup. We geeks have always believed in hard drive backups, and now it’s your turn to believe.

It’s that thing you never have time to do. You want to do it, and even need to do it, but well, you know, it never gets done.

What you have is a buddy you never appreciated, one that will restore your business, re-introduce you to your friends, restore your lot in life and give you back your hard work. A Proxy is a backup plan that gets you back up and running, no matter the circumstances.

So go ahead, meet Prox at your favorite computer store or site. Better yet, let a managed service provider (MSP) handle all the details, installations, setup and management for you. It’s like an employee that only costs a fast food lunch or two a month.

William Claney is an independent tech writer and former owner of Computers USA in the Clayton Station. Email questions or comments to willclaney@gmail.com.