How to Select the Right Remote Backup
A Backup Article Contributed by Ashley Lister
How to Select the Right Remote Backup
If the headache of performing your own backup is too much trouble, it's time to think about using a remote backup.
Remote Backups are Convenient.
Rather than putting the onus on the shoulders of yourself or an employee, remote backups relieve some of the responsibility that comes with the care of the company's information archives. Instead of backing up all information to a tape drive or optical disc, remote backups allow the backup routine to be performed through an active connection to the internet. This means that in the event of a fire, flood, theft or some other great calamity, the safety of your most recent backup will be one less thing to worry about.
Remote Backups are Cheaper.
Because you aren't going to the trouble and expense of running a tape backup or an optical disc backup, the cost saving of a remote backup could quickly mount up. Admittedly there is an expense involved when relying on the companies that provide remote backup but, compared to the cost of having to become an expert in data storage, with all the cost ramifications which that commitment can involve, the charge is nominal.
Selecting Your Remote Backup Supplier.
So, now that you've decided it's easier, safer and cheaper, the tricky part comes in deciding which remote backup supplier to select. A query into any search engine will provide an extensive list of remote backup suppliers and, while each of them is very good at promoting their own services, the matter of selecting the right one for your own needs is of paramount importance.
Rather than rely on an internet search, it is probably wisest to consult other business colleagues first. Approval by word of mouth is a far more trustworthy medium than any amount of advertising literature.
Other than asking business colleagues it is always sensible to approach the people who originally supplied the hardware you are using. Many computer suppliers diversify into areas other than just the manufacture of machines and remote backup is just one area where their knowledge of data storage and connection protocols can help them to provide an extra service.
Or consult the specialist media magazines, noting which remote backup supplier is offering the service you would want while comparing cost and efficiency tables.
Whichever method of selection you use, whether it's one of the above or a combination, the important part comes when you are negotiating what you want.
* Make sure the remote backup supplier is going to provide all the software and expertise to set up the backup.
* Be certain that the remote backup supplier has secure storage for our information and most of the sensible safeguards against espionage.
* Listen carefully to what is being said about the remote backup process and make sure you ask questions to clarify any point that is not perfectly clear.
* Confirm that the remote backup supplier will be able to provide assistance and support should the eventuality of a restoration be required.
