The Disaster Recovery Interview
Data backup and recovery is one of the most overlooked parts of a company’s IT structure. With all of the technology available today, the absence of even the most elementary backup solution is a mortal sin in regard to the business technology universe. There are affordable backup and data recovery systems in every price range, so even companies with limited budgets can afford an elementary system at the very least. Also many computer services firms now offer backup and data recovery systems as integral parts of their managed IT services.
Some things to consider when thinking about your backup and disaster recovery solution(s):
1. What happens if I delete a file?
2. Where is my email stored and is it backed up?
3. What if my computer crashes? Even if my data is saved how long will it take me to rebuild my computer to a functioning state?
4. Is all of my backup data located in the same physical location?
5. Will a catastrophe wipe out my backup solution i.e. a fire?
6. Does my business count on any one system for business critical functions? How long can my business operate without a functioning system? Does my current backup solution accomodate that expectation?
7. Does someone in our company know how to retrieve information off backups?
8. Are my backups tested so I know they work?
9. Are my backups monitored so I know if they are ever failing?
10. Is the backup data media (i.e. hard drives or tapes) transferred in a secure, controlled manor since it contains all data for my entire business?
This list covers about 1/4 of the questions that you should review when it comes to a practical backup and disaster recovery solution so if you haven’t asked yourself these questions, start today! If you are confused, contact a local computer services provider which should be able to assist your company.
What to Look for When Searching for the Best Online Backup Services
It does not matter whether you’re a student, a banker or just someone searching for the perfect place to safekeep photos. What matters is that you know the benefits that the best online backup services can offer you. If you are simply after enough space or if you are worried about damaging your files, you will find out that the best place to keep them is not at everybody’s easy reach. Most file backup companies have bunkers – most of which are nearly impervious to disasters – making it impossible to find a safe place to store your files with. And yet, finding the right company which will work best for you can be a little challenging.
First is the price. Most online backup services are priced about the same, around per month, which you can opt to pay monthly or at the discounted annual fee. But that’s just for the basic service. You can also avail of other additional services like network backup for an added fee. On the other hand, there are also online backup services that come for free, for some companies on a limited trial basis, and for others, for a limited storage capacity. While these offers are not uncommon and are done for promotional purposes, be wary of those backup services that are offered at no cost at all. While they need not cost a lot, the online backup solutions shouldn’t come totally free or you would wonder how the company can give reliable service.
File accessibility is also another factor to consider. Being able to retrieve your files immediately would not be such a major issue if you’re just looking to have copies of old photos printed, but for a student who needs access to his notes as soon as possible or for an office employee who sometimes brings work at home, even a day of waiting could be too long. You would therefore want an online backup service that can best respond to this need. Different online storage companies have varying policies when it comes to file restoration so be sure to raise these concerns before signing up.
You also want to make sure that you can use the software that most of these companies require you to work with. Since each company has its own system, you often have to deal with different levels of user-friendliness. If the program you have to work with is written in a hard to understand way or even extremely technical, you may not be able to work with it. The idea of backing up online is to give you the protection you need without wasting your time so be sure the company has a decent backup wizard in their software suite.
Lastly, you need a secure service. Most companies offer encryption of your stored information as it travels between your computer and theirs. However, some companies can offer more than that. You can find companies which scatter your files across their services making it impossible for any outsider to decipher any important information. You may also choose to put a password on your files. All these added services work together to give you the top-level security that you need. But to make sure that a service is right for your needs, just read a few reviews, like the Carbonite backup review.
Why Is There a Need to Backup Your Computer Files?
For some people, backing up computer information does not seem very necessary. After all, they’re not bankers or government officials with millions of important information to protect. However, personal e-mails, pictures and notes on your drives should not be taken any less seriously. Just like a banker’s file of finances, every personal file of photo or of just about anything can hold wonderful memories of you and your loved one. Losing these things may not have a great impact on anyone else but you owe it to yourself to protect these important bits of info and backup your computer. Safeguarding your computer files is very important especially in the digital age when every person can put so much about himself on his computer.
Traditional ways of backing up one’s files have been developed over the years, and for many people, these seemed to work just fine. A common backup method used is buying a large stack of floppy disks or more recently CDs, copying your files into them, labeling all disks for organization and for easier retrieval when the need arises, and finally, storing away everything. You somehow manage to effectively make backup copies of your files but it took a lot of time and effort. Plus, with this method, there’s really no guarantee that a few years down the road, you’ll still have files to retrieve. This type of file storage devices are susceptible to damage caused even by the smallest amounts of water, some scratches, or exposure to magnets.
But technology has come a long way when it comes to storage space. Now, you can buy external hard drives which will plug in to almost any computer you can find and work immediately. And all of your data is organized in folders, just like on your home computer’s built-in drive. No more sorting through stacks of CDs and floppies. You can also get these drives in sizes that were unheard of until recently. Some drives can hold multiple terabytes of data, more than almost anyone could possibly need. For instance one terabyte drive could store over 200,000 photos at 5 megabytes each.
But not everyone wants to run out and buy a new, and often expensive, hard drive. While it lets you keep all of your files with you, which offers some comfort to most people, it can be a bit overwhelming for some people.
The good news is, there are companies which provide user-friendly ways to store your data online. Just one of these is Carbonite backup. Through their services, you can back-up your computer by using their storage devices. You do not have to worry about getting your files hacked because most of these companies house their servers in highly protected areas which make them nearly immune to corruption or damage. Your files are definitely kept safer with them than keeping them inside your office room.