Introducing Internet Backup
A Backup Article Contributed by Melissa Larose
Introducing Internet Backup
Internet backup has never been so easy. Just think of the possibilities, so much space, so little time to backup. There are all kinds of possible scenarios with Internet backup. As many new hard drives that exist in the world and as much data we seem to be bent on creating, surely there is Internet backup space somewhere for your large, medium, or small business.
Internet Backup Could Be Nearby
Internet backup does not have to be through a service company across the world to work for you. Internet backup can happen between two local businesses. Here's the scenario - You discover a local business that you share some type of simpatico with and discover that they are considering using an Internet backup service just like you are. Upon further investigation you find out that they have extra office space, just like you, and they have a similar take on data security, just like you.
The two of you decide that you will become each other's Internet backup service. Storing your information on servers you provide and maintain that are located off-site. You are authenticated and encrypted just like you would be at an Internet backup service but you have easier access.
Then again, you might want to move the Internet backup even further from the place it is created by using an out of state service. In a time of natural disaster this could provide you more peace of mind.
Internet Backup As Part of Your Backup Plan
Your choices of Internet backup should be a result of your backup plan, which should be part of your disaster recovery plan, which should be part of your overall evaluation of your data. You haven't evaluated your data? Well get busy because this is the number one most important evaluation your company will ever do. And it is not just a one-time evaluation. This needs to be an ongoing evaluation because things change. Data needs change, data creation changes, employee's change, and your customers are ever changing.
The only way to ever know if Internet backup is the backup for you is to evaluate your data needs. How do you use your data? Who generates the data? What department needs to be up and running all the time? What type of access do you need for your data? How sensitive is your data? These are only a few of the many questions you need to consider. And a realistic evaluation is the only way to get the answers you need.
Internet Backup Security
Internet backup services provide their customers with software to make Internet downloads. Most data is compressed before it is sent so that hard drive space is used efficiently. For security purposes you will want to authenticate before allowing a backup to occur. This is done through a login and password process. This will prevent an outside from access to your data.
The second security item you will want to make sure is in place is encryption. Encryption should take place on your end before the download. All encryption keys should remain with your company and should never be included in the data files. This ensures that no one on the receiving end will have access to your data.
