Offsite Data Storage Saves Files and Money

About 1 out of 4 computers have had a hard drive corruption that destroys hundreds and thousands of hours of work and hundreds of personal memories due to natural forces of nature-floods and fires, or evil forces of humanity-hackers and viruses. Not only that, almost 50% of businesses that lose their data go out of business permanently, report industry analysts. A brief review of the following backup methods show that they do not all offer the same amount of safety.

Most personal computer users, if they backup at all, will back up to a CD or DVD, but this is not always safe. Although the files might copy just fine onto the disks, over time these disks can become damaged making the files impossible or very difficult to recover. And if you are a procrastinator and fail to back up your data regularly, then you will have lost many hours of work and memories. Not only that, CD and DVD backups are not encrypted so they are vulnerable in case of theft.

You may be thinking about buying a second hard drive or tape storage solution for data backup. 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 industry research reveals that tape backup can fail to recover files up to 50% of the time.

The best way to keep your backups current and safe is to utilize offsite data backup services that specialize in keeping your files automatically backed up and secure until you need them. Offsite backup services usually involve a simple process:

Local Software Installation

First, you will download and install an application to interface with the backup server of the online storage provider. It takes up to a half hour to set up the program.

Initial Backup of Entire System

Second, backing up files of this sort requires a fast connection, such as with a cable modem, DSL line or a T1 line. Third, you will want to schedule your first full backup during off-peak hours so that it doesn’t interrupt your other important computer traffic. For secure storage, respectable offsite data backup providers store your files in highly secure “vaults” that are maintained and observed 24 hours a day.

Web Management System

Finally, many online providers offer a web control interface where you can schedule backups and retrieve files anytime. You should also be issued a unique encryption key to access your data.

I’ll leave you with some wise words made up by me: don’t worry about losing your data; worry about not backup up your data. To secure your business, learn more data backup strategies at Data Backup Solutions.