Data backup is crucial for every business. With many companies looking for a more efficient and secure way to back up their data, traditional tape backup systems are no longer an option.
Data rules are even stricter than they were, a reason everyone should try to comply with the regulations in place. Outlined below are a few tips, ideas, and factors to consider when choosing a data backup service.
- Reliability
The disk technology has revolutionised the world of data backup. Disk drives are considerably more reliable than tapes, provide enhanced security, and are easily accessible. Thanks to disk-to-disk technology, you can be sure of the credibility of your data backup even if it hasn’t been accessed for some days. This, however, cannot be said about tape backups.
- Scalability
Data backup service providers offer a wide range of services/packages designed for both enterprise and consumers. For this reason, you need to consider a package that offers the features and scales that will satisfy your needs. Delta-block and de-duplication technologies not only reduce data footprint but also improves performance while saving you money. Be sure to check whether the service provider offers de-duplication at block or file level. You might also need to know whether the service can be used to back up data on PCs, Laptops, servers, and applications.
- Security
About 60% of organisations that use tapes for backups don’t use any encryption. This is because the process of encrypting data on tapes makes the entire backup process too slow. For this reason, most of these organisations simply deactivate encryption, which although fast, creates a security risk. Although physical safety may be assured, encryption is crucial even for disk-to-disk backup. For the best service, consider a service centre that encrypts data during transmission and storage.
- Accessibility
You should be able to access the backed-up data at any time and without having to be at the data centre physically. Backup on tapes, however, requires one to be there physically to be able to access this data, which can be tiring. Disk backups are, therefore, the most preferred option to go for. This is because you don’t have to wait to access your data. For this reason, look for a provider that meets your Recovery Point Objectives (RPO) and Recovery Time Objectives (RTO). This way, you should be able to recover your data fast enough and continue running your business without any delays.
- Cost Effectiveness
This is one of the critical factors to consider when looking for a backup service. According to research, companies lose approximately £64,000 on the hour for lack of activity. This is most common with tape backup which takes long to respond or sieve through. Nevertheless, disk-to-disk backups are considerably faster and also allows one to access the data remotely. Switching to this option, therefore, gives you the reputation you deserve. Security and reliability are two of the most important factors that are incalculable.
- Compliance
Many companies struggle with data security, retention, and privacy regulations. Identifying a company offering compliance for these can however be a daunting task. Nevertheless, asking for documentation showing regulatory requirements and compliance for the same can help you find the right company. If you, however, aren’t ready to go through the interviewing process, you can then go for service providers that the NHS data and Government uses to store data. Such companies already have complied with the data regulations, hence considerably safer.
- Disaster Recovery
The main idea behind a backup service is to protect you in case of a disaster at your firm. This is to say; the data backup service provider needs to take stringent measures to ensure their data centres are well protected and safeguarded from such disasters. The use of uninterruptible power systems (UPS) is crucial for any data centre and all UPS batteries must be bought from reliable suppliers like UPS Battery Shop. The data centre should have complete and tested data recovery plans to ensure your data remains safe, secure, and eligible. Look for a provider who can train your staff on how to deal with various disasters effectively. This should also be based on your firm’s configuration.
- Ease of Use
Some of the best data backup service providers do not and cannot operate or do backups on a single centre. Most of these will have more than one backup centres for improved security and accessibility. The software used for the backups also needs to be easy to use as well. You’ll, therefore, need the satisfaction of ease of use without putting data transmission and the data at risk. Simply looking at the software configuration and dashboard should give you an idea of how easy or complicated the software will be.
- Customer Support
The customer support should be the service provider’s main selling point. This is because you, the client, should be able to get support and fast response whenever the need arises. Do not go for a service provider with no support in place.