[1] It is named after carbonite, the fictional substance used to freeze Han Solo in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.

[4] At one time in its history, Carbonite was named "Best Windows Backup Tool" by Lifehacker,[5] "Labs Winner" by PC Pro, and "Editor's Choice" by NextAdvisor,[6] but received only "two mice" in a MacWorld review putting it second to last.

[7] Carbonite Online Backup installs a client software program on the user’s computer that operates continuously in the background.

This client software automatically seeks out new and changed files on the user’s computer and backs them up using incremental backup.

The 2017 PC Magazine review found that a few audio files and photos were omitted from the backup without obvious reason.

The program also includes a remote access application that allows individual files to be downloaded to any computer using a web browser.

[31] On November 11, 2019, Open Text Corporation announced it had signed a definitive agreement to acquire Carbonite Inc. for $23.00 per share USD in cash.

[32][33] The product debuted at Staples in 2006 when it focused on photo backup and offered a free six-month subscription with all camera purchases.

[44] It partnered with Packard Bell in 2008, the first partnership between an independent online backup company and major PC manufacturer, providing all purchasers of their desktop and notepad computers in Europe a free four-month subscription.

[citation needed] In 2009, it admitted loss of backups of "over 7,500 customers" in a lawsuit filed against Promise Technology, a hardware provider.

[47] Two days later, Phanfare founder and CEO, Andrew Erlichson notified lifetime subscribers that customers requesting a refund will be paid not by Carbonite, but what remains of Phanfare, Inc.[48] In 2006, it secured $2.5 million in series A financing from 3i, Keiretsu Forum and CommonAngels;[49] in 2007 it completed $15 million series B financing led by Menlo Ventures.

The company's SEC financial reports state: "We expect to continue to incur GAAP operating losses on an annual basis for the foreseeable future".

Apparently, employees of the company posted favorable testimonial-style ads on Amazon in 2006, including those by senior members of the management team.

[56] The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) in the United Kingdom ruled on August 1, 2012, that Carbonite had misled consumers by describing its online backup as unlimited.