Saturday, October 6, 2007

Online Data Backup Are The Next Generation Of Backup Technology

Online data backup are the next generation of backup technology and are quickly replacing more traditional backup technology, such as tape backups Through the technology of the Internet, online backup or web based backups are a method of storing data offsite. This data could be files, folders, or entire hard drives. This important data is regularly backed up to a remote server or computer with a network connection.

A number of third party companies provide online backup services for subscribers whose computers are connected to the Internet, automatically copying selected files to backup storage at the service provider's location. The various backup options can be reasonably priced and more importantly, affordable to all business.

The reason why online backups are becoming increasingly important in today's business world is simple. Frequently and continuously backing up data to servers/computers at a third party or remote site practically eliminates the risk of data loss due to natural disasters, technical failures or even operator error. All you need is an internet connection and web browser to use the interface. The remote data appears as if they are an external local hard drive.

Online data backup is a safe option for your data storage. Among other security features, encryption and passwords are used to ensure the data is kept secure and private.

With the advent of the internet and global market place, online data backups are fast becoming increasingly affordable even to the smallest of enterprise. In today's information society, business managers are realizing that their company's most important asset is their data, and for as little as $10 a month in some cases, you can save all your important data in an offsite location. It has been proven over and over as a wise investment.

For an active database, an online backup is often called a hot backup or dynamic backup. This is a backup performed on data even though it is actively accessible to users and may currently be in a state of being updated. Online backups can provide a convenient solution in multi-user systems because they do not require downtime, as does a conventional offline (cold) backup.

The main benefits of online data backups:

Cost effective - data can be backed up to third party supplier for as little as $10 a month

Business continuity - You will be able to recover your most important business data regardless of what happens in the physical world - natural disaster may destroy your premises but you will be able to rebuild your business instantly by have it saved at an alternative location.

Simple Process - you don't need a dedicated IT resource, you don't need specialist equipment and skills - all you need is an internet connection and a web browser

Restoring - restoring your data is fast and efficient

Reliable - The process is extremely reliable compared to other mediums.

In all online data backups are hassle-free and reliable. With no tapes to buy, automatic continuous backup available, and no wait recovery, lower your costs and eliminate your backup anxiety with an online data backup provider.

The Benefits of Offsite Data Backups

The most valuable assets of any business organization regardless of it size is its data! Operator can make mistakes, a hard disk failure, a virus, natural disasters, theft or loss of a laptop - can all too easily put this data and therefore the business at risk.

Storing backup data offsite is a secure, simple and affordable alternative to a traditional tape backup solution.

Tape backup can offer a possible solution, but it also comes with many draw backs. They need upfront investment, maintenance, and internal staff to maintain and operate them. All these come at a cost. Tape backups can be a hassle - especially during a crisis when key data is to be recovered without delay.

Keeping backups offsite with a trusted third party is a modern proven solution to this critical process.

Offsite Backups – The Benefits

Offsite backup is cost effective, efficient and more reliable process than tape backup.

Cost Effective

* No capital outlay, you usually just pay a fixed monthly fee
* No setup fees
* No operating costs
* No tape storage costs

Efficient

* Installation is complete within minutes - even for non-technical staff
* No waiting to find the right tape
* No waiting for someone to recover lost data

Reliability

* Automated daily backup provides comprehensive protection and zero hassle
* Take as many backups as you need, ensuring protection
* Less down-time and reduced lost productivity - files can be recovered instantly
* Web access to backed up files for when travelling or at home
* Works with individual PCs / laptops and file servers / network shares
* Secure technology

The Offsite Backup Process

Software installed on the computer helps select the data to be backed up, manages the connection to the internet and the encryption / compression of the data - prior to transferring it to the data centers. Data can be accessed via the software agent at any time.

Backups can be scheduled or started manually and can be performed at any time with a single click or be set for hassle-free daily backup.

Security is provided through secure-sockets connections to the data centers, 128-bit encryption and account passwords. Data Compression ensures regular backups are very efficient and non-intrusive.

Who uses offsite backup?

Offsite Backup is used by most industries throughout the world including: law firms, accountants, consultants, financial intermediaries, manufacturers, education and research, retail outlets, distributors, and not-for-profit organizations. Organizations of all sizes with an internet connection can benefit.

What are the limitations of offsite backup?

Offsite Backup needs an internet connection to work. This can be traditional dial-up or ISDN for smaller data volumes, or ideally a broadband connection such as ADSL, Cable, DSL and Leased Line. These have the advantage of faster transmission rates, no usage call charges and the ability to handle large volumes of data.

The initial backup process can take some time because a full copy of the data must be encrypted, compressed and copied to the data centers. Additional daily backups are significantly faster because file changes only are transmitted. These changes are typically at a 'block' level within a file i.e. if a change is made to a previously backed up document, only the change to that document is sent, not the whole document.

Is offsite backup secure?

Offsite backup is secure. Only secure socket connections are made to the offsite data centers and data is encrypted. Data never travels un-encrypted, including during a restore process.

A password, an account number and an encryption key all ensure that only the authorized user has access to the data.

How much does offsite backup cost?

Offsite backup is charged on a per computer per month basis, although companies with multiple computers can probably negotiate a fixed fee with their provider.

There is not usually a setup fee and no software license fee, nor are there additional charges for data transfer and recovery.

For detailed pricing it is best to speak directly to your supplier. A general rule is the more space you need, the higher the price; although the price increase is generally not in proportion to the size increase, you can benefit from economies of scale.

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