Computer data generated by a small business is the backbone of that business. The loss of that data can create a significant setback and in some cases can do irreparable damage that the business is unable to ever recover from. You may not realise it but 50% of businesses that lose their essential data never open their doors again and of those that manage to stay open, 90% end up failing within two years.
The best and easiest way to insure your business against these losses is to backup computer your data on a regular and frequent basis. There are several ways to backup your data including high-storage disks, onsite storage units such as external hard drives, and offsite backup services.
One of the easiest and cheapest options is to burn data directly to a CD or DVD. This has the advantage of being modular in that additional CD/RW or DVD/RWs discs can be used as the business grows and more data is expected to be added at a later time. There are limits to the storage size of each disc but more can be used as needed. However, this approach can be somewhat time consuming due to the slow transfer data rates depending on the quantity of data that needs to be backed up each time. Unfortunately, another disadvantage of this approach is the risk associated with the potential loss of the CD and/or DVD media, which can be susceptible to the theft, or loss from natural disasters such as fire and floods.
Another option is the use of external hard drives and other high capacity storage units which are great for storing large amounts of data. However, again while these are relatively easy to use, they are time consuming to copy to and are susceptible to natural disasters.
Another answer is to subscribe to an offline, offsite backup service that automatically transfers data on a set frequency and schedule nominate by your business. The data backup can be undertaken after normal operating hours so it doesn't need to be attended. It also has the advantage of keeping your data safe from theft, natural disasters and mechanical problems that might impact your computer systems. There is also the added advantage of much higher levels of security against hackers. This type of backup is becoming of the most preferred methods used by growing businesses and larger companies. They also offer a level of capacity that can be expanded later as the need arises for an additional fee. Another feature of remote backup services is they archive many previous copies of your data so if your computer gets a virus, you can retrieve the archived data from before the attack.
Of course, security is an important concern when choosing an external backup service. The highest quality systems have many levels of encrypted codes to prevent access by hackers. This is a crucial feature for businesses that need to keep financial data about their customers. As complex as they are, the encrypted codes do not hamper your ability to access the information easily and without confusion.
There is typically an ongoing cost for an offline, offsite backup service but in the long run this option will provide peace of mind and very worthwhile insurance.
As a business owner, it should be evident that the regular and scheduled backup of your computer data is vital for the continued success of your business. Whether you work from home, from a store front in your hometown, or even from a small factory, the storing and backing up of your computer data is critical.
In summary, there are several types of computer data backups that might be suitable for your business. Consider the pros and cons of each which should enable you to choose the method of backup that will best fit the needs of your business.
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