Looking at Online Backup Solutions

Looking at Online Backup Solutions
By V. Sood

However robust and resilient modern Information Technology systems may be, there is always the risk of a problem arising which may result in a catastrophic loss of data for your organisation.

The problem doesn't necessarily have to relate to a technical failure, it might, for example, be the consequence of something like a major fire in your building or other similar environmental disaster.

That's why most responsible organisations regard the backup of their data to be a serious subject and one that demands they take steps to ensure that in any circumstances, however catastrophic, they could gain access to copies of their key information.

Online backup solutions

In the old days (say pre-2005 or so), most businesses took what were called 'local backups'.

That normally involved taking a tape, disk or DVD copy of your files at the end of business each day and then putting those copies into a fireproof safe in a separate location.

Since the advent of the Internet Cloud Services though, those approaches have largely been superseded by what are called online backup solutions.

There the approach is usually to contract with a third party organisation. They will take periodic copies of all of your key information (or your entire system if required) automatically across the Internet, usually again at the close of your business day. In fact, in situations where your data is subject to more dynamic change, those backups can be taken more frequently if required.

However, if you research something like 'online backups', you will probably be inundated with offers and solutions. How do you choose between them?

Selecting a service

Of course, price is likely to play an important consideration but it won't pay to get too hung up on the dollars to begin with.

In the event of a crisis and the need to restore your data quickly, the last thing on your mind will be just how low-cost your backup solution was. What you will be looking for instead is immediate resolution.

So, a few key considerations you may wish to keep in mind might include:

• How frequently can the provider concerned take copies of the data you need protected?

• In the event of a crisis at your end, how quickly could they guarantee to restore it?

• Do they have appropriate safeguards in place to ensure that your data, once on their site, is entirely secure and safe from unauthorized access?

• How safe is their own site from various forms of disaster?

• Are you legally allowed to put your data onto their site? This is a legal issue that might, for example, prohibit you from moving some types of information to a backup organisation who operate in an overseas legal jurisdiction.

These questions aren't necessarily easy to answer by anyone other than an experienced business IT support services specialist. It might be well worth contacting one before you make your final decision.

Don't put it off

An IT or environmental disaster resulting in a significant loss of your data might prove to be the end of your business.

This isn't just a theoretical risk because it has happened in the past and it will happen again in the future. So, don't assume that it could never happen to you but instead find out more about online backup solutions today.

Vikas Sood is an author of this article. Server Sentry is reliable company to provide best backup and data recovery solutions to to data loss scenarios.For more info please visit the website http://www.serversentry.com.au/

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