Offsite Data Backup

Jul 17
19:16

2007

Andrew Stratton

Andrew Stratton

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We discuss the benefits of offsite data backups. We take a brief look at the highlights of the benefits to your business for using offsite data backup products for your data storage.

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Offsite Data Backup is a method of storing data at a remote location - files,Offsite Data Backup Articles folders, or the entire contents of hard drives are regularly backed up on a remote server using an internet connection.

The thinking behind this backup strategy is simple and the benefits are obvious for all to see. By backing up data on remote servers, the risk of catastrophic data loss as a result natural disasters, theft, technical failure, or other disaster is virtually eliminated. If your building becomes unavailable all your data can be recovered quickly using the offsite storage. In essence your building becoming unusable or destroyed for what ever reason will not necessary mean your business is ruined!

Usually with an internet connection and a web browser interface, the remote files and folders appear as if they are stored on an external local hard drive. Most organisations are clear about the need to protect their most important asset - their data. Human error, hardware failure, a virus, malicious actions, natural disasters, theft or loss of a laptop - can all too easily result in data loss and cost the business dearly.

Offsite Data Backup is a secure, simple and affordable alternative to a traditional tape backup solution. Tape backup solutions can be effective, but they need an initial and sometimes expensive investment upfront, combine that with ongoing maintenance and the internal staff to support and operate them the cost can become extensive. In essence tape backup strategy can bring with it a certain amount of ‘hassle’ - especially during a crisis when you need important business data to be recovered without delay. Offsite Data Backups is a modern yet proven solution to this niggling and critical process.

Who uses Offsite Data Backup?

Offsite Data Backup is used many businesses throughout the US and the wider world. Organisations of all sizes with an internet connection can benefit from this type of product.

There is no substitute for offsite data backups. That is why major corporations have chosen this method above all others for disaster recovery.

Is offsite backup secure?

Backups are encrypted for complete security. Would you want someone to be able to steel one of your backup tapes and take it to your competitor? Tape backups are not generally encrypted, so anyone can read them and gain access to your critical business information and data. Most offsite backup service providers encrypt all backups for complete security so nobody, not even the third party suppliers, can read them.

All data is encrypted to ensure that data is secure from the moment it leaves your server, whilst it sits in storage on the remote site servers, and during restores back to your servers. This ensures that your data is always protected by encryption during transit and whilst in holding. The data can only be decrypted using a key you control.

Benefits of Offsite Data Backups

Financially Beneficial

The cost of Offsite backups is considerably cheaper than the ‘in-house’ tape backup alternative.

Some insurance companies offer discounted insurance rates for businesses performing offsite backup and data storage.

Convenient

This process can be completely automatic or you manually carry out the operation – It’s up to you! Your backups can be scheduled daily, eliminating the need for tape labelling and indexing while your work force concentrates on running your business.

Dependable

Most solution providers will store your information on regularly maintained high quality mirrored disk servers. With integrity checking ensuring that what is being saved off site can be restored if needed.

Safe

Data is stored using encryption and your account is protected by your personal security code or password, assuring you of complete security and privacy.

Efficient

Files are restored in minutes, not hours or even days while you wait for your IT staff to become available.

No capital expense

No upfront cost to purchase expensive media, hardware and software and the ongoing maintenance costs of hardware and software.

Cost EffectiveThe service offered is usually scalable and available at low monthly fee.

** About the author text:Offsite backups give you reassurance for an easy and quick data restore.  Should an unforeseen data loss or data corruption happen to your business, offsite backups providers have your data safe and secure.  Protect the vital company data with Global Data Vault at  http://www.globaldatavault.com.