I started using rsync.net a number of years ago to house remote backups of my then-employer's critical data. At that time, we had a SBS 2k3 server for all the in-office files; the rsync team was more than happy to walk me through establishing (and testing) an automated backup solution that worked well until we decommissioned the in-office domain controller. I visited and helped them move from the current iteration of an on-premise Windows server to a Synology for in-office file storage (and for capturing backups of cloud services) and they were again more than happy to assist in setting up that process as well.
The type of data stored with them requires notification of the data subjects if there is a breach (even if that breach is due to legal process), I've found the warrant canary to be quite reassuring and understandable to the non-technical people whose business is at risk in the event of data loss. We don't get that same level of assurance with some of the other places we might store our backup.
It's hard to think of a "cloud" provider as providing personalized service, but rsync.net pulls it off. They've helped take the fear out of storing critical data on "other people's computers" by proving themselves reliable, trustworthy, and helpful.
This is interesting. Question: this is a one-time-use warning system? Once a single warrant has been executed, this signal loses information, especially over time. Can it be restarted, but with a new start date, so that external observers can piece together when warrants are executed?
I've used rsync.net since some time before the warrant canary - I'm guessing around 20 years - and I only have nice things to say about the service. Even though I'm just a retail user, the couple of times I've needed support, it was prompt and helpful.
I've heard and read lots of stories of people losing all of their data in some accident or theft, and that's just something I don't have to worry about.
Can't think of any other service as reliable over such a long period of time, with the possible exception of running water.
I'm unfamiliar with US law, but I thought that with these secret warrants, there would be little distinction between positive action (like telling the press) and negative action (like not continuing a canary).
As in, a judge would briefly think 'nice try' and send you to federal prison. Is this a concern for rsync.net? I assume they would have legal advice that supports your position, and know far more me.