Off Site Data Storage is Better than Local Backup Solutions

Almost 1 in 4 computers have lost their data to hackers, viruses, and acts of nature. In addition, if you own a business, your chances are 1 in 2 that your business will fail if you lose your all or most of your data. You have a variety of choices for data backup, but they don’t all provide the same amount of data safety.

CDs and DVDs are probably the most common way to back up files, but they don’t offer the kind of security that you might think they offer. You might believe that the disk copied the files perfectly, but many times when you need the data, the files are corrupted or missing due to damaged disks or other technical failures. And if you forget or fail to put the disk in the computer and perform the manual backup, then hundreds of hours of work and files will be vulnerable to loss. Not only that, CD and DVD backups are not encrypted so they are vulnerable in case of theft.

Another popular method for backing up data is on an external tape storage system or a second internal hard drive. Recovery of data is easy with these solutions if the hard drive or tape storage is not damaged or corrupted by the same lightning, flood or fire in which the original drive was damaged. And theft is an option as well. And some reports say that up to half of all attempts to recover data on tape backups do fail.

The most efficient and effective way securely backup your files on a regular basis is to perform a remote offsite backup. Off site data backup is fairly effortless and involves the following:

Local Software Installation

First you’ll install a small application that interfaces with the backup server of the online data backup provider. The program can take up to 30 minutes to install and set up.

Initial Backup of Entire System

Second, you’ll need a broadband connection, such as a cable modem, DSL, or T1 line. Third, schedule a complete system backup during a convenient time. All respectable off site data backup providers secure your files in high security “vaults” that make the CIA envious, so don’t worry about your files.

Web Management System

Finally, your online provider might offer a webpage where you can download files and schedule backups. You should also be issued a unique encryption key to access your data.

  If you would like to learn more strategies for backing up your data and protecting your business investment, visit Data Backup Solutions.