Why You Need Remote Backup for Your Systems

Updated: May 20, 2020

Modern businesses are data-driven. Data is a more valuable resource than hardware or software. In the past, businesses used to worry about the physical security of their equipment. Today their primary concern is about preserving their data. Data protection across multiple devices has become crucial. And remote backup is the most reliable way to ensure the safety of the data.

What Does Remote Backup Mean?

A remote backup system saves your files and folders in an off-site location. Generally, the data is stored in the cloud. But if the information is sensitive, it can also be stored in privately owned data centers.

Previously, only large enterprises could afford remote backup systems. Today, there are a variety of cost effective, remote backup solutions for small businesses to choose from.

The Reasons for Using Remote Backups

Here are some of the primary reasons businesses should consider remote backups:

Cost Savings – Remote backups are based on a monthly or yearly subscription service. The fees are minimal when you take into consideration that your company’s data is being stored securely in case of an emergency. With a remote backup system, a third-party is responsible for the infrastructure. The data is encrypted and transferred to the service provider’s off-site servers.

Better Security and Reliability – Local backups are as vulnerable as your other hardware. If hackers get access to your computers, they could also get access to your local backup servers. Using a separate remote backup system makes it harder for hackers to penetrate the backed-up data. In case of an attack, businesses can restore the data from the remote system easily.

More Efficient – Most remote backup solutions come with vendor-specific automation tools. The tools can take care of data monitoring and backups automatically. It means you have less to worry about. You can concentrate on your day-to-day operations without spending time on backup tasks.

Challenges of Remote Backup

All of that said, there are some constraints to be aware of:

Need for Reliable Internet Connection

Your remote backup systems must transport and process data. If you are producing a lot of data in a short amount of time, your internet connections can get overwhelmed. In order to maintain an efficient remote backup system, you need to ensure a reliable internet connection between your workspace and your backup servers. The connections should be able to accommodate fluctuating workload needs.

Compatibility of Systems

Remote backup service providers might store data in proprietary formats. You need to be aware of how the data is stored. Otherwise, you can have portability issues if you want to change your backup provider.

Proper Restoration Plan

Remote backups simplify the task of backup. But it’s not a magic solution. Things can go wrong. So, businesses should have a step-by-step restoration plan and run tests to ensure the data integrity of the system.

Strategies to Set Up Proper Remote Backups

Here are some strategies to help you implement an effective remote backup solution:

  • Analyze your current setup to see what type of data is crucial for your business to backup.
  • Find the right provider to help you implement the best backup solution for your company’s needs.
  • Regularly test your remote backup system to avoid surprises during a real crisis.

Do you want to find out more about reliable remote backup solutions? We can help! At Cleartech Group, our experts are up-to-date on the latest data backup technologies. Contact us today at (978) 466-1938 or at www.cleartechgroup.com.