Remote Data Backup - Your Plan B
Remote Backup Quotes are provided by up to 8 top companies in the UK. They include:
It’s a known fact that you can’t put your trust in just one entity, or plan. Like the military, it will stand you in good stead to have a back up plan, a plan B. This will ensure that when your troops are at risk, or your company assets for that matter, you’ll have a solution that’ll save you from destruction. Data in particular, is one of the most valuable assets in your business. In fact, years of data material is most likely the heartbeat of your company as it is valuable knowledge gained throughout the years that guarantees that your company runs successfully, in the present and the future.
Backing up your data can save you from the most overwhelming situations. It’s rather easy to get over losing some data from your PC from time to time, but losing years of irreplaceable information that encapsulates your business is a devastating experience. Needless to say, the information stored in your computer mainframe or network is integral to running your business successfully. By having a remote data backup, you can rest assured that you’re geared up to deal with any emergencies.
Best you make provision before disaster strikes…
So, how does the Remote Data Backup system actually work? Daily backups are transmitted over the internet or via dedicated communications links. These back ups are usually directly transmitted to disk in a highly secure technology centre. Thereafter, the backed up data is then automatically copied to a second, geographically separate technology centre for added peace of mind.
In essence, a Remote Backup service provides an automated way to back up and store your computer files off-site. All you need is an Internet connection. Once an initial backup of your key files is done the services then automatically backs up any changed and new files. Backups can occur nightly or on a real-time basis.
Remote Backup serve companies incredibly well. Particularly, small companies without a dedicated IT staff member and companies that have employees who often travel or work from home because the backup can take place from any location. The system is can be very beneficial to companies with multiple office locations as utilising a Remote Backup service infrastructure is more cost-effective than creating one.
How beneficial is an Offsite Backup System... really?
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Time saver and less risk
The one of the most prevalent aspects of Remote Data Backup is that you can actually save the time spent on changing tapes and administration. It’s also great to know that you don’t have to wait for backup tapes to be delivered to a recovery server during testing or in the event of disaster. In fact, this can save an entire business day. This service also eliminates problems such as lost tapes and corrupted data commonly associated with tape backups, which results in a higher success rate.
Security risks when handing over sensitive information to a third party and logistic problems of transporting tapes when a district is locked down can be avoided. Ultimately, Remote Data Backup is a quick and easy process that enables one access to information 24 hours a day.
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Data Recovery Solution
Most companies that offer this service offer a vaulting and recovery service which is said to be the only truly integrated solution on the market today. This service should come standard. When the vaulting service is directly linked into your recovery solution, should you be hit by a disaster, once you’ve contacted the company offering the service, they’ll start the restore process immediately at the recovery centre. In fact, there are companies that have primary and secondary vaults which are linked to a high-capacity optical network. This means that instead of waiting for back up tapes to arrive, the company can start getting your systems up and running again straight away as the data is already held on disk, thus making data recovery a quick and easy process.
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You get to choose
Depending on the service provider you choose, you may be given a host of options. For example; you are able to choose between restoring individual files within minutes via a Graphical User Interface (GUI), or in the event of hardware failure resulting in a large data loss, you can choose to connect to a fully rebuilt server remotely at a site getting you up and running as quickly as possible. Most companies provide a number of IT recovery options which include a Remote Data Backup service.
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Data Analysis and Profiling
A data profiling exercise is the process by which data is analysed as being important and less important. The service provider will analyse what data is stored, where it is stored and how well it meets business demands. Data profiling puts you in control of your information. This gives you efficient data storage, the ability to leverage storage cost tiers, reduce overheads, automatic repetitive tasks, ensures better usage of resources, backup and migration policies that match business requirements and head start recovery.
What key factors are important to keep in mind when implementing the system?
Perhaps one of the most important factors to keep in mind is to make sure that your internet access has sufficient bandwidth to support your backup needs. On the same note, you should also remember to save on storage costs. Try to select only those files for backup that can not be recovered by other means. Make sure to try recovering back up files before disaster strikes. If at all necessary, find out how backed up data is returned to you if you stop using the service. Here are 3 top tips;
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Check the software - Is it compatible with your current setup?
When evaluating remote backup services, the first thing you should check is that the software can work with all the operating systems that your computers run on. This is imperative as you would like your system to be as flexible as possible. A one dimensional piece of equipment won’t serve you well in the long run. So, choose well and be certain. Once this basic requirement is met, look for software that is easy to install and configure. Double checking has always been a good way to avoid any mishaps. Some great advice for any project or service you may implement in the future.
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Pay attention to storage - Is your data Encrypted?
Pay attention to how your data is handled and stored. Your data should be sent to the remote backup services via an encrypted connection. Once the data arrives at the storage facility find out if the storage is redundant. Ideally, the storage should be redundant at more than one geographic facility. One of the advantages of working with a remote backup service is how quickly files can be restored. Take the time to check into how long it would take to identify and download a file that you need to recover.
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Access control - Does the Software include security measures?
To ensure that only authorised users can access your files, ask about how users are authenticated. You should be comfortable with the steps the service takes to ensure the appropriate person is requesting a copy of your backup. In addition, there should be no way for a person other than yourself to accidentally overwrite your backed up files.
Finally.....Should you Invest?
If you’ve suffered a major data loss, backing up should be a priority. Yet, as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Take heed, even though you might regularly back up your files, the truth is you may not be storing your data in a secure off-site location. By not having a completely efficient and secure backing up system, you are subjecting yourself to damaged and much worse, unrecoverable files. A remote backup service can provide the instant assurance of having your data offsite without requiring the purchase of any special technology. There’s not much to it. Consider just how beneficial this service will be to you in the long run. Think about it, when disaster hits, you’ll be covered. It’s your call.
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