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5 Benefits of Off-Site Data Backup

Data backup is beyond the days of using multiple discs, trying to manage a large external hard drive, and paying rent for large servers. Now, businesses and personal computer users can backup critical and sensitive data without even thinking about it. How is this possible? The cloud. See how your company can benefit from off-site data backup.

Backup is seamless

Backup used to be daunting and laborious. Hopefully, the person in charge of the backup would remember to do so. Now, companies do not have to worry about that any longer. When you meet with an IT professional, he or she will work with you to establish a backup schedule that will not interfere with business or require an employee to assume all of the responsibility. Instead of backing up files manually or copying each for hours when work should be done, remote backup services allow users to backup with the click of a button, or backups can be scheduled when everyone goes home for the day.

Multiple Backup Methods Utilized

For Parallel Edge specifically, multiple backup methods may be used based on what’s actually appropriate for your business. In some cases you may get the most benefit, when it comes to acceptable risk and cost, with an incremental backup. In others you may require a full backup, or even a differential backup. With any of these options the most recent of your data is backed up and fully recoverable. The objective of any backup is to save data without errors or corruption and based on what your company actually needs will determine what type of backup is used and cost.

Top-notch security and reliability

Off-site data backup is more reliable than the traditional methods with which companies are most familiar. Because backups are automated, every necessary file is backed up on a daily basis. This allows companies to recover the most recent data more quickly without losing significant data. Backups can also be initiated from multiple locations or devices. If one server crashes or a device disappears, backups will still occur without any interruptions.

All of this is done over the Internet, and the same connection is used to provide the user and system with the most secure network possible. Cloud companies are required to endure rigorous safety and security evaluations and to comply with strict security protocols. The same is extended to your company’s data. When backups occur, the information is encrypted and sent to off-site servers in secure locations.

Cuts costs

Off-site data backups reduce the company’s workload and saves money at the same time. Because backups are automated employees don’t have to dip into their daily schedules to backup data, which means production won’t be lost to manually backing data up.

Off-site backups are easy to install because the system is installed over the Internet, and off-site backups don’t require new equipment. Companies that are required to complete backups and have large amounts of data to care for will save money with off-site storage. Companies are only required to pay for the data capacity they use, and it is billed monthly.

Installation is easy

Your company does not need a complicated infrastructure to benefit from off-site data backup services. Because the system is setup and managed by an IT expert, they will tell you what should be backed up and when, and changes can be done with the click of a button. As you grow, you can customize your cloud to grow with you with no downtime or interruptions.

Data Backup for Business: Get the Most Out of It

All businesses, large or small, need a backup disaster recovery (BDR) solution. There is no telling when a fire, flood, or any other catastrophic event can destroy your on-site data storage and keep you from working out of your home office to continue your business operations. The BDR is an excellent tool, but your business needs to be able to fully benefit from it with a clear plan of action in place when a disaster strikes. Here we discuss how to get the most out of data backup for business.

Get In the Know About Data Loss

Employees as well as the boss need to be educated on what can lead to data loss, including how risk can be limited due to human error. The entire team needs to sit down and be able to answer common questions about data loss which include:

  • What common occurrences result in data loss or a breach?
  • Who on the team is the one in charge of assessing this type of situation?
  • How will each individual scenario be handled?
  • Who is in charge of what actions?
  • When is the point that problems need to be communicated to an external entity?
  • What sort of follow-up should take place in each situation?

Once your team can answer these questions, you have a plan in place that goes beyond simply being able to recover lost data. The answers should be documented and circulated within the company so the staff has something to refer to in case a disaster strikes.

Periodic Review and Tests

Now that you have a documented and well thought out plan, it has to be reviewed periodically, to ensure that the plans are still up to date with what is needed to recover the business process. Get the team together every month or quarter and you’ll be able to stop any potential snags before they happen in real life. Another option to consider is an actual drill at least once a year, so the company knows that everyone is prepared to fulfill their role. The staff will also have a greater appreciation for the plan and understand that it is practical and not just theoretical. 

Use Only One Data Backup Solution  

The idea that “having several data backup managers makes for better security”, is false. The only time you would have multiple backup solutions is when you are using a different one for each feature, such as an individual solution for each separate operating system in the office. Otherwise, it makes much more sense to always go with one data backup solution that is cost-effective for your company and best suits your needs. The more you use multiple backup solutions, the more downtime and data loss you risk, since each solution is only backing up your data partially. You need to shop around and find one service provider who handles data backup for business that is able to encompassing all of your company’s technology and data needs. The data backup solution you choose should be able to replicate from anywhere: offsite, onsite or in the cloud. This feature is well worth any additional costs.

If you have questions about setting up a comprehensive plan to accompany your BDR, contact us today! Our knowledgeable staff is ready to address all of your concerns.