For a long time, the practice of backing up data has entirely taken place onsite. Many companies still store data on tapes and keep it in a secure server room in their business premises for backup purposes. Much has changed though since the inception of cloud backup services. Many businesses are now finding it better to store their most vital data in the cloud. This simply involves storing data on a remote online server.
Recent studies have shown that small to mid-sized businesses using the onsite backup model still lose data. Cloud services on the other hand have proved to be more reliable when it comes to IT disaster recovery plans. So, what do business owners stand to gain with cloud backup services? Read on to learn some of the many benefits of storing data remotely as opposed to locally.
Safe Storage of Data
Cloud services provider a much safer way to store data than traditional onsite backups. Cloud storage companies encrypt data to keep it beyond the reach of cybercriminals. Keeping data offsite can also protects it from natural disasters like fire, floods and earthquakes. It is therefore safe to store data on a remote server.
Cost Effective
Reduced IT complexity makes cloud backup services cost effective. Your cloud storage service provider will offer 24/7 management and monitoring of backup facilities. This reduces overhead costs for maintaining server rooms, IT staff and other hardware resources. Most cloud backup services charge low subscription costs based on how much data you intend to store. This plus minimal maintenance makes cloud storage services very cost effective.
Remote Access of Data
An added bonus about storing data in the cloud is that it opens up any business to remote access services. Information stored on a remote server is easily accessible from anywhere for as long as one has an internet connection. Accessing business information remotely greatly streamlines operations for business managers.
Automatic Backups
With traditional IT setups, backing up data can be a tedious process. This is often the case when moving data manually using external disks. But, with cloud computing services, business can synchronize data backups automatically. This can be convenient for businesses that require daily backups. A point of sale system for example does not have to save daily transaction details on an external hard disk and later move it to the backup room. Instead, cloud services would allow retail software to schedule uploads of daily transaction records to the server automatically.
Flexibility
Perhaps the most important aspect about backing up business data in the cloud is that it offers a high level of flexibility. Most cloud backup companies provide a pay-as-you-grow model. This means that you can scale up or downsize costs for backup services according to your needs even as the business grows.
It is evident that cloud backup services are perfect for businesses that depend on IT to process data. Storing data in the cloud is secure, cost effective, efficient, flexible, and offers business owners the convenience of accessing and managing their business data from a remote location.
This article was authored by John Wallace, a contributing writer at http://www.i-pos.co.uk/. Visit that website to learn more about some of the latest business applications that make use of cloud backup services.
Marty Huggins
