Each day a company is in business it accrues data. As more data is acquired and used, businesses need to determine what type of backup solution they should implement and how much is needed. There are a few different options and each has its benefits.

As a company makes the choice in back up protection, they must assess what they need backed up. Databases, emails, documents, graphics, media files, proprietary software, financial records & transactions, clientele contact information, intellectual property and more can determine the scope of the backup a business needs.
Local and cloud server, tape backup and local hard drive backup are the most popular options, here we will explore each.

Local Server Backup

Local backup options are housed on-site and allow for fast recovery of lost data and information. When a company has outgrown smaller storage solutions they may want to move toward local server backup.

Housing a local backup server on-site allows your IT Department to handle and resolve any data issues on site. As you store backed up files, various incarnations of your data can eat up storage. A local backup server can remove older versions of your data as space decreases. Backup schedules can be maintained manually or scheduled to your company’s needs.

Cloud Server Backup

Cloud server backup allows businesses to store their information remotely via a provider. Data can be accessed from any device online. The cloud is a great option for companies with just one site. In the event of an emergency or catastrophe at the site, the data will not be lost with the physical location of the office. Lost files and system failure within the company’s hardware will not affect data stored on the cloud.

With increased security measures being taken every day and companies encrypting their data before it is stored in the cloud, this is becoming a common option for businesses of all sizes. Cloud storage frees up not only hard drive space on individual machines, it also saves time and space and the running costs of an on-site backup solution.

Tape Backup

Tape backup is inexpensive and reliable but requires human interaction and has limited capacity (per tape). It is good for businesses with small data sets that change often. It allows businesses to copy and back up part or all of their data as they see fit. This process can also be done manually or as scheduled with paired software.
As tape drive manufacturers continue to improve upon speed and capacity, tape backup remains a tried and true solution to back up storage. Tapes are easily portable and moved from location to location as a company expands.

Local Hard Drive Backup

Local hard drive backup is more expensive but storage capacity is larger. It works well for businesses with larger data sets that change less frequently. External local hard drives offer a quick, reliable and secure means of backup.

With varied and extensive storage space options and portable designs external local hard drives can back up large amounts of data with options to password protect and encrypt your data.

If you have any questions about backing up your company’s data, please call or contact Cosmotronics today. Our expert IT Professionals can help you to determine which backup option is right for you.