As an emerging industry remote data backup has really taken off. Most commonly remote file backup services allow you to log into a remote drive and via a web based interface upload all your critical files. 5GB of storage space is the entry point for most of the remote data backup services and this is provided at a low cost. Knowing that your data is being stored in a secure facility that's deliberately protected against harm allows you much greater peace of mind.
The weak point here however is the data transfer speed. Unless you're operating a high speed LAN in your company then remote backup can be a complete waste of time as you're tied to the maximum upstream speed of your network - which can be surprisingly slow depending on your IT infrastructure. Add in the issue of firewalls blocking uploads on certain ports and it can quickly become a real IT headache.
So how do achieve a Win-Win scenario? Blended backup! Look at utilizing both of these forms of backup. In an ideal world you'd store a local copy of your data and then upload an exact copy of that data to the remote file backup server. If money is an issue then store your bulk data locally but copy your mission critical data to the remote backup service. That way in the worst of disasters you'll still have the data you need to actually function as a business. That's not to say that bulk data such as archived email is not important but that old data could be recovered in time by a data recovery specialist whereas you mission critical data needs to be available at a moments notice.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Monday, April 16, 2007
Remote Backup
Even though backing up files has been emphasized for years as a security measure to prevent data loss, too many people are still learning through bitter experience that backups are essential. This may be due, in part, to confusion over the many options available for external storage of backup files.
As internal hard drives have increased in size, the media required to back up essential files has also changed. At one time, it was possible to back up all necessary files on a series of floppy disks. Today, the time and number of disks required for such a procedure would be prohibitive. Even Iomega Zip disks, which hold many times the data of a floppy, are no longer large enough for the number of files most users need to back up.
There are basically three choices for external storage of backup files. Removable media such as CD or DVD-ROM, a separate external hard drive, or a remote backup service accessible through the internet.
Using CD or DVD-ROMs is the least expensive option. Many software manufacturers have backup software available that will create archives which can then be written to a CD or DVD. However, even though some DVD-ROMs can hold more than 8 gigabytes of data, because hard drives continue to grow even this option may require multiple disks and more time than many users have. This may lead those selecting this option to perform backups less frequently than they should.
More and more users are opting for external hard drives to store their backup files. Software can be configured to perform automatic backups and send the data directly to the external hard drive with no input required from the user. However, the distinct disadvantage of this system is that the data cannot be stored offsite, as the external hard drive must have a persistent connection to the computer being backed up.
A third option is emerging in the form of remote backup services. These are websites that allow users to upload data files and retrieve them later in case they need to restore the files. This allows offsite storage of backup files, however, this system requires a user to have internet access which might not be available in certain types of emergencies. Additionally, users should not rely exclusively on remote backup services to preserve their data as companies do go out of business, particularly web-based companies.
Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including Computers, Aging, and Education.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kadence_Buchanan
More Links on Remote Backup
http://remote-backup.com/
http://www.remote-backup.nl/
http://www.free-backup.info/three-reasons-for-online-remote-backup.html
Friday, February 23, 2007
Remote Backup
Although you may not list it in on your IRS form, information is your business' primary asset. From your customer database to your financial records to your proprietary product information, information is the key element to maintaining both the day-to-day operations of your business and its long-term viability.
Unfortunately, as the sophistication of technology increases, so do the risks to your business. Viruses, hackers, and natural catastrophes can all attack your business information. At best, this renders your business inoperable for several hours or days. At worst, the loss of business information can cause you to go out of business.
Lest you think that information loss could never happen to your business, statistics reveal that the problem is pervasive and, oftentimes, devastating. During any given year, over five percent of PCs will have some type of data loss, and almost a third of PC users have experienced the loss of all of their data at some point in their lives. Almost two-thirds of companies that experience catastrophic data loss go out of business within six months. Of those companies that test their back up tapes, more than three-quarters have found problems with the tapes.
In order to minimize your company's exposure to the risk of data loss, you should create an organizational culture of security and implement a security program that helps the company prevent and recover from data loss due to viruses, hackers, and natural catastrophes.
Just as you would store your most precious documents in a bank safety deposit box, you should store your company's most important data with online backup services and use secure offsite backup.
Online offsite backup services that are secure, affordable, and automated, you should consider backing up the following types of data:
* Databases and information that allow you to serve customers and maintain your market competitiveness. In other words, if you lost this data, you wouldn't be able to fill customer or supply chain orders or provide client services.
* Information that manages your revenue generation, such as accounts receivable, and vehicles for customer ordering and payment acceptance.
* Data that controls your cash flow, such as your accounts payable and supplier payments.
* Data that, if lost, could result in additional expenses, such as employee downtime and late delivery penalties.
* Proprietary information that could be stolen or compromised.
* Data that is affected by governmental regulation, such as the Freedom of Information Act.
Unfortunately, as the sophistication of technology increases, so do the risks to your business. Viruses, hackers, and natural catastrophes can all attack your business information. At best, this renders your business inoperable for several hours or days. At worst, the loss of business information can cause you to go out of business.
Lest you think that information loss could never happen to your business, statistics reveal that the problem is pervasive and, oftentimes, devastating. During any given year, over five percent of PCs will have some type of data loss, and almost a third of PC users have experienced the loss of all of their data at some point in their lives. Almost two-thirds of companies that experience catastrophic data loss go out of business within six months. Of those companies that test their back up tapes, more than three-quarters have found problems with the tapes.
In order to minimize your company's exposure to the risk of data loss, you should create an organizational culture of security and implement a security program that helps the company prevent and recover from data loss due to viruses, hackers, and natural catastrophes.
Just as you would store your most precious documents in a bank safety deposit box, you should store your company's most important data with online backup services and use secure offsite backup.
Online offsite backup services that are secure, affordable, and automated, you should consider backing up the following types of data:
* Databases and information that allow you to serve customers and maintain your market competitiveness. In other words, if you lost this data, you wouldn't be able to fill customer or supply chain orders or provide client services.
* Information that manages your revenue generation, such as accounts receivable, and vehicles for customer ordering and payment acceptance.
* Data that controls your cash flow, such as your accounts payable and supplier payments.
* Data that, if lost, could result in additional expenses, such as employee downtime and late delivery penalties.
* Proprietary information that could be stolen or compromised.
* Data that is affected by governmental regulation, such as the Freedom of Information Act.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Remote Backup
How much is your data worth to you? In this modern electronic-age we rely more than ever on our computers to supply us with the information we need. Chances are every piece of data you might ever rely on to make an important decision has been reduced to a digital format and resides somewhere on your computer's hard drive. Improved functionality and productivity are the benefits, however, on the flipside, one wrong click, one nasty virus, one untimely power surge or unhappy employee and that data is gone forever!
Online backups (also called offsite or remote backups) are a great solution for almost any small business or individual computer user.
1. The Statistics say you should.
a. Among the companies that experience data loss, 50% never re-open and 90% are out of business within two years.
b. 20MB of accounting data takes 21 days and costs $19,000 to reproduce.
c. Causes of data loss – 42% Hardware Failure, 30% Human Error, 13% Software Corruption, 7% Computer Viruses, 5% Theft.
2. Easy. Online backups are a simple way to protect your data. Online backup services provide the software application, server space and customer service in one turnkey solution. There are no additional software applications or equipment specifications to learn. The installation and set-up is quick and painless. Your backups can be scheduled to run automatically at any time you desire. There is no media, tapes or hardware to deal with.
3. Security. Believe it or not, online backups are generally more secure than in-house backup solutions. If your computers or data are affected by natural disaster, power failure/surges, viruses, vandalism, theft, human error, etc., your in-house backup will suffer the same consequences. Another unfortunate thing about tape backups is that they are not generally encrypted, and not very secure. Almost anyone can read them and gain access to your clients, sales, prospects, notes, billing records, payroll, tax info, and anything else on your computer.
Online backups encrypt (up to 448-bit) your data before transferring it to the remote server. Most backup servers are housed in secure locations with security guards, generators and the latest state-of-the-art security technology.
4. Inexpensive. Online backups give you more “bang for the buck.” Setting up a traditional data protection plan requires software, hardware, media and the man-hours necessary to set-up and protect your data on a daily basis. Online backups combine all of these functions in one easy service for a low monthly or annual fee.
The cost? If you or your staff spends as little as 10 minutes per day running a tape backup or burning a CD, figure just the cost of labor at about $100 per month. Add on top of that, the cost of CDs, or tapes and you're spending 4 or 5 times the cost of the average online backup fee, which requires “no time” daily once your initial setup is done. You can start an online backup account for as little at $5 - $15 per month.
5. Quick File Restores. In the event you need to restore your lost data, you simply select the applicable files or volumes and with a click of the mouse all of your data is transferred to its original location. Your data is ALWAYS available 24 hours a day – 7 days a week. You can recover a single file or all of your files in a matter of minutes.
6. Peace of Mind. Knowing that your data is safe, secure and always available is enough reason to check out an online backup solution.
7. The Alternatives. You can’t afford the alternatives! Computer users spend millions of dollars annually to recover lost data. The data recovery industry is HUGE and continues to grow. Assuming that your data is even recoverable - expect it to be an expensive and time consuming ordeal. Obviously, it is best to be prepared in the first place.
What would you do if you lost all of your data today? With Safe Harbor Data, you can restore your entire computer with one download! Amazingly affordable and effective, Safe Harbor protects your data with state-of-the-art encryption. Whether you run an online business, work from home, use your computer for online banking, school or more, your data isn't safe until it is backed up and stored in a safe place away from your home or office. Get the peace of mind that comes with secure, online backup today for only pennies each day.
Online backups (also called offsite or remote backups) are a great solution for almost any small business or individual computer user.
1. The Statistics say you should.
a. Among the companies that experience data loss, 50% never re-open and 90% are out of business within two years.
b. 20MB of accounting data takes 21 days and costs $19,000 to reproduce.
c. Causes of data loss – 42% Hardware Failure, 30% Human Error, 13% Software Corruption, 7% Computer Viruses, 5% Theft.
2. Easy. Online backups are a simple way to protect your data. Online backup services provide the software application, server space and customer service in one turnkey solution. There are no additional software applications or equipment specifications to learn. The installation and set-up is quick and painless. Your backups can be scheduled to run automatically at any time you desire. There is no media, tapes or hardware to deal with.
3. Security. Believe it or not, online backups are generally more secure than in-house backup solutions. If your computers or data are affected by natural disaster, power failure/surges, viruses, vandalism, theft, human error, etc., your in-house backup will suffer the same consequences. Another unfortunate thing about tape backups is that they are not generally encrypted, and not very secure. Almost anyone can read them and gain access to your clients, sales, prospects, notes, billing records, payroll, tax info, and anything else on your computer.
Online backups encrypt (up to 448-bit) your data before transferring it to the remote server. Most backup servers are housed in secure locations with security guards, generators and the latest state-of-the-art security technology.
4. Inexpensive. Online backups give you more “bang for the buck.” Setting up a traditional data protection plan requires software, hardware, media and the man-hours necessary to set-up and protect your data on a daily basis. Online backups combine all of these functions in one easy service for a low monthly or annual fee.
The cost? If you or your staff spends as little as 10 minutes per day running a tape backup or burning a CD, figure just the cost of labor at about $100 per month. Add on top of that, the cost of CDs, or tapes and you're spending 4 or 5 times the cost of the average online backup fee, which requires “no time” daily once your initial setup is done. You can start an online backup account for as little at $5 - $15 per month.
5. Quick File Restores. In the event you need to restore your lost data, you simply select the applicable files or volumes and with a click of the mouse all of your data is transferred to its original location. Your data is ALWAYS available 24 hours a day – 7 days a week. You can recover a single file or all of your files in a matter of minutes.
6. Peace of Mind. Knowing that your data is safe, secure and always available is enough reason to check out an online backup solution.
7. The Alternatives. You can’t afford the alternatives! Computer users spend millions of dollars annually to recover lost data. The data recovery industry is HUGE and continues to grow. Assuming that your data is even recoverable - expect it to be an expensive and time consuming ordeal. Obviously, it is best to be prepared in the first place.
What would you do if you lost all of your data today? With Safe Harbor Data, you can restore your entire computer with one download! Amazingly affordable and effective, Safe Harbor protects your data with state-of-the-art encryption. Whether you run an online business, work from home, use your computer for online banking, school or more, your data isn't safe until it is backed up and stored in a safe place away from your home or office. Get the peace of mind that comes with secure, online backup today for only pennies each day.
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