The graphical user interface allows the user to easily set up and configure the software, schedule backup jobs and select the files and directories to back up. Industry-standard media rotation schemes can be selected from a range of preconfigured schemes, and advanced users can customize their own schemes with incremental and differential backups. BackupAssist sends daily email reminders telling the user which tape or disk to insert into the drive, according to the selected media rotation scheme. The user can also receive email notifications that keep them informed of the status of each backup job. BackupAssist also features open file backup, online Exchange Server backup, online SQL Server backup (optional add-on), compression, encryption and verification. The software was designed to be simpler and more affordable than many enterprise-level brands, and it is aimed at smaller businesses and organizations.