Cloud computing is quickly becoming the preferred method of backing up data for most businesses. However, while it is relatively cheap and simple to implement, many benefits make it superior to traditional forms of data backup. Cloud data storage and backup services allow users to access data stored on a remote server without needing to have and understand complex software. This reduces the time and cost of storing data in a traditional data backup facility.
Data Backup Process:
External hard drives can be used as part of the data backup process by being attached to a laptop or other external device. External hard drives provide the ability to backup data to multiple locations as desired. When data is stored on external hard drives, it is easy to access and restore data from any location at any time. Most cloud-based data storage and backup applications are compatible with external hard drives. Many services also provide automatic data backup on a schedule, which means data backup will occur automatically as needed.
Easy Accessibility and Management of Data:
The benefits of cloud storage and backup include easy accessibility and management of data, as well as improved productivity. An employee using a smartphone, tablet, or laptop to access data from his home office may not always be able to access and take advantage of available online backup services.
By backing up data in the cloud or online, he can simply use a smartphone, tablet, or laptop to search for backup data and get it directly to his computer. Additionally, employees can use any data device to send data to the service provider, eliminating the need to rely on company email. Further, employees can easily access backup data from any location, without fear of being caught out at the office.
Security of Data:
Another benefit of using online storage or backup important data services is security. Employees are protected in many ways while they are in the online storage environment. Encrypted data storage allows data to be viewed by authorized personnel and located anywhere, anytime. Online backup services also employ security measures such as encryption and password protection, which further reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
Online Backup Services:
Online backup services and data storage can be used in several different ways. A single user may be using data storage to back up his entire computer or simply a part of it. With file sharing, a single file is backed up on several computers. When data is saved through file sharing, multiple users can access it. Similarly, it is possible to set up a backup for a specific application or job. This type of service is perfect for companies that make use of various systems and computers, such as, a government agency, retailer, or media company.
Online backup services and data storage are beneficial for business organizations that have several data storage or file-sharing systems. In addition to backing up data, cloud storage also allows users to store data offline, thereby effectively reducing costs incurred for storing data in servers. Cloud data storage allows users to access data stored in different locations without requiring users to backup important data each time they visit another location. Furthermore, cloud storage helps to protect critical data from loss due to natural disasters or theft.
In Case of Data Loss:
Businesses that use offsite servers for backup find it difficult to recover data in case of data loss or disaster. Since data cannot be backed up automatically, it makes data recovery more complicated. As a result, users find recovery more difficult. Although hardware failure is the most common reason for data loss and disaster, some companies avoid using it altogether. This is because hardware failure, although not impossible, can take weeks or months to recover data from.
Read also: How Data Visualization Can Help Boost Your Return on Investment (ROI)
