Offsite Tape Storage Beats DVD Storage

Almost 25% of all computer users have lost memories, manuscripts, and endless hours of work due to viruses, acts of nature, and even hackers. In addition, industry analysts say that almost 50% of business that suffer a complete data loss do not recover and soon go out of business. A look at the four most common methods of data storage reveals that they do not all offer the same benefits and safety.

Maybe you already backup your data to a CD or DVD, but these disks are not always secure. Even though you verify that the files copied perfectly onto the disks, damage to the disk over time can corrupt the files making them very expensive or impossible to recover. And if you do not perform the manual backup onto disk, hundreds of hours of work and files will still be lost. Not only that, CD and DVD backups are not encrypted so they are vulnerable in case of theft.

You might be one of many people and businesses backing up your data on a second hard drive or tape backup solution. You should have success with these backup devices if they have not been stolen, corrupted, or damaged in the same disaster that caused your original files to be stolen, corrupted, or damaged. In addition, up to 50% of recovery attempts fail with tape backups, say industry professionals.

The easiest and most secure way to regularly backup all of your data with little or no effort on your part is by utilizing an online or offsite data storage company. 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. Setting up the program usually takes about 20-30 minutes.

Initial Backup of Entire System

Second, to back up files over the internet, you need to have a cable modem, DSL or T1 line. Third, schedule a complete system backup during a convenient time. All reputable offsite data backup providers store your data in server “vaults” second in safety only to that of the FBI and CIA, so don’t worry about that!

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 stop here with a word of wisdom: don’t worry about data loss; worry about how soon you will contract with an offsite data recovery provider. To learn more about data recovery options to secure your business, visit Data Backup Solutions.