With the increasing prevalence of technology in our lives, it's critical finding the right solutions to protect our data. And cloud backup is a powerful tool that can help you with this task.
But is cloud backup worth it?
Well, yes. Of course, it is!
Data loss happens to everyone. And it happens at the most crucial moments.
Did you know that the most common cause of data loss is human error?
It only takes a few clicks for you to lose your data from malicious actors and a few seconds from natural disasters. And this can happen anytime and to anyone - even those with extensive protection from a cloud service provider.
If this does happen, your business will suffer massive consequences that might land you in bankruptcy. But even with this risk in mind, many still resist data backups.
It may not look like it at first glance, but backups save you from data loss. And many have proven its effectiveness in storing and recovering data in case of disasters.
But let’s take it up a notch.
With cloud backup, not only is your data secured and accessible anytime, but it also reduces the number of manual tasks you need to do along with the operations costs. Ultimately, you will have a strengthened security solution and save money altogether.
In this article, we will explore what cloud backup is and examine if the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to using it.
What is cloud backup?
Cloud Backup is a data storage service that uses cloud computing to store, manage, and back up files and other digital information. This backup solution lets you access your remote data anytime from any device with a reliable internet connection. And since cloud providers handle your backups via remote servers, you won’t need to purchase and maintain in-house servers and other devices.
It makes it advantageous for you to protect your confidential records. Cloud backup is becoming an essential tool used for business success and continuity.
How cloud backup works
The cloud environment is used for storing and managing data that consists of remote servers hosted remotely instead of accessing files locally from a storage device.
Cloud service providers control this storage solution and bill according to the features you avail. And in the event of data loss, equipment damage, or malware attack, you can return operations in no time with free-range access to your backed-up data.
It's your responsibility to figure out how to use cloud backup to your business advantage. A few things to figure out are your backup schedules and how many versions you want. You can back up your data daily, weekly, or even monthly depending on how frequently you want to sync your data to the cloud. If your business operates remotely, real-time syncing would be the best option.
As for the backup strategy, we recommend the 3-2-1 backup, so you keep multiple copies of your data and store it in various locations. Copy #1 would be your live data, copy #2 would be your onsite backup – your on-premise backup server and copy #3 would be your remote cloud backup – a backup of your data stored on a secure remote data centre.
This way, if your system loses data for whatever reason, you can still access its up-to-date replica from your cloud backup.
With cloud backup, there is no need to worry about corrupting data due to hardware failure. This service creates multiple copies and saves them in different locations.
Why should you get cloud backup?
“Yeah, yeah. Cloud backup is great. I get it. But do I really need it?”
Here are five reasons you should move to the cloud for data backup and storage.
Ideal for disaster recovery
Cloud backup is a business asset. It provides an easy and secure way to store and protect data. But there’s another benefit that often goes overlooked: disaster recovery.
Your data will only truly be protected once it’s stored in a secured off-site location. Because if you stick to local storage, you’re vulnerable to natural and deliberate disasters like fire, flood, and malware attacks.
This feature can be a lifesaver if natural disasters or other catastrophic events strike that might otherwise leave a business struggling to recover its data. And with cloud backup, you can transfer copies of your data in real-time into a well-secured remote data centre.
Disaster recovery as a service (DRaaS) allows businesses to replicate all their protected systems, data and applications onto servers located off-site so that if something does happen at their physical location, they still have access to all their information.
This solution helps keep downtime to a minimum and makes it easier for companies to get back on track quickly after an emergency. Plus, since DRaaS is automated, it saves you time and money by eliminating manual labour or additional hardware investments.
Reduce chances of downtime
Having cloud backup is essential for businesses wanting to reduce the chances of downtime.
Data protection is a continuous process that ensures your data has minimal risks and maintains uptime as much as possible. And with the help of the cloud, that advantage is boosted tremendously. For one, you have smoother processes and better security, all at a minimal cost.
Having a reliable backup stored on the cloud will ensure that any data lost due to server failure, accidental deletion or malicious attacks are recoverable. This feature eliminates the need for lengthy recovery times and costly hardware repairs.
With cloud backup, you can access your data from anywhere in the world (with a strong internet connection). You can also scale storage needs as your business grows without investing in additional hardware or software solutions. And finally, it helps you prevent data loss, which can cause significant downtime if not prepared accordingly.
Provide flexible work setups
Cloud backup provides a flexible work setup that allows employees to access their files from any location with an internet connection. This technology ensures that businesses are prepared no matter what happens, allowing them to continue working even when unexpected events occur.
Cloud backup enables teams to share data securely and quickly, making collaboration more efficient. Traditional storage methods such as flash drives, hard disks, and local servers tie you and your employees to working in the office. And this predicament leaves you with your hands tied if you're required to work remotely. One of those is the COVID-19 Pandemic.
With cloud backup, you can save files in the cloud, wherein you and your employees can access the most up-to-date information at any time. This feature eliminates time wasted on outdated versions and gives everyone the most accurate versions of documents or projects they’re working on in real-time. So, whether you’re working at home or on the other side of the world, you and your employees can access data and collaborate with the help of a flexible work setup.
As a business owner/decision maker, you need to establish a business continuity plan to ensure your operations are up and running, even if your employees are in various locations worldwide. One way to do that is through cloud backup.
If you want to implement flexible work setups for your employees, reach out to us today, and we’ll help you get started!
Easily scalable
Scalability is one of the top advantages of cloud backup.
You can scale your cloud usage depending on the space you need and the amount you want to spend. You won’t need to worry about buying, installing, and maintaining storage equipment anymore. All you need is a reliable cloud backup provider, tell them about your storage requirements, and they will set you up with the best package.
Imagine this: no more spending thousands of dollars and hours on in-house IT equipment that is a huge liability.
Ah! Absolute bliss!
With cloud backup, you can adjust your storage capacity to meet changing needs as your business grows or shifts in direction.
With the robust nature of cloud storage, you don't have to worry about running out of space or having too much space for specific needs. You get just the right amount of space for your requirements.
In addition, with Cloud Backup, you can add new features and services quickly and easily, such as archiving or disaster recovery plans. This advantage allows you to keep up with market trends and stay ahead of your competitors.
High reliability
Thanks to advancements in cloud storage technology, users now have peace of mind knowing that their data is secure and accessible with just a few clicks.
Cloud backup eliminates the need for physical hard drives or external storage devices and ensures that all critical information stored on them is safe from natural disasters or other unexpected events.
A cloud environment is a setup with automatic backups and updates. These two features will help you establish an up-to-date data storage environment. So much so that you won’t have to purchase or maintain an in-house IT infrastructure which will surely bring more harm than good in the long run. With cloud backup, you can go about your day knowing that your data is secure and reachable anytime and anywhere.
The reliability of cloud backup gives you added control over your files while providing unbeatable security features to protect against cyber threats. From personal photo collections to business documents and sensitive customer data, people can trust that your valuable assets are safe in the cloud.
How much does cloud backup cost?
Cloud backup is an essential tool that helps to protect your data.
But how much does it cost?
Is cloud backup worth the expense?
These are questions that many people ask when considering this type of data protection.
Cloud backups come in various categories, from free services to professional packages with all sorts of features and benefits. The price you will pay for cloud backup depends on the perks you need and the size of your business or organization.
For small businesses, even basic plans can be affordable and offer enough features to keep crucial data safe. On the other hand, some large companies may require more robust options which are available but with higher fees.
Overall, cloud backups can be a wise investment for any business or individual looking to protect their valuable data without breaking the bank. It is a relatively cheaper option compared to traditional storage and backup. You can choose among various plans or create a custom one that you can scale according to your business needs.
Is cloud backup secure?
Are you considering cloud backup for your business or personal data?
Businesses can rely on cloud storage solutions to back up their valuable data. But there are a few questions that need answering before you make the switch:
Is cloud backup secure enough for our business and personal data?
Is it worth investing in a more secure solution?
Cloud backup is generally a secure service. Cloud providers have invested heavily in security measures such as encryption and authentication protocols, making it harder for hackers and bad actors to put their dirty hands on your data. On top of that, data centres that house your remote servers also have top-notch physical and IT security.
But no cyber security solution is perfect. Remember that there’s always the risk of hackers gaining access to sensitive information if proper precautions aren't taken. That's why it's crucial to be proactive with your cyber security and try various solutions to ensure your cloud environment is a tightly closed lid against hackers.
The ultimate question: Is cloud backup worth it?
In today’s digital era, cloud backup is a trending approach to data storage.
Cloud backup provides a secure way to store data without investing in physical servers or hardware.
It also eliminates the hassle of manual backups, as all your data gets automatically synced to the cloud, either in real-time or by schedule. This perk makes it easy for businesses and individuals to access the most updated versions of their data from anywhere at any time.
Additionally, since the costs would depend on your current usage, it's often more cost-effective than traditional methods such as buying hard drives or setting up private servers.
