We work in an increasingly data driven business environment where
your business critical data is the core of your business. It is
estimated that 60% of companies that lose their data shut down
within 6 months. We are all aware of the pifalls of inadequate
backups - the problem is what to do about it. What's the most
effective way to backup and secure your data?

Online backup or tape - what's the answer?
As with a lot of things in life the answer is not straightforward
and the solution probably falls somewhere in the middle. In
other words a combination of tape and online backup could
be the answer for your business.

Tape technology has evolved over the last 50 years into the high
performance medium we use today -but is has drawbacks. One of the
issues with tape backup is that it is a mechanical device that needs
human intervention. Mechanisms break and human beings can forget
to change the tape or take copies off site. The tape is prone to
wear and tear and the issues surrounding off site storage and
retrieval are not to be underestimated.

Online backup solves a lot of the issues associated with tape backup but
it is not without drawbacks. If you have large quantities of data to
backup cost can be an issue. Online backup software needs a certain amount
of IT expertise to install and maintain and in most cases online backup
relies totally on a broadband Internet connection. Internet connections
are reliable but they are not 100%.


Is cost an issue?
Backing up online could be costly if you have large
quantities of data to backup. Your answer may be to take advantage
of online backup;but only for your vital data. You need to consider,very
carefully, the data critical areas of your business. To help you
brainstorm some ideas I've listed below some areas you need to take
into account.

Business continuity.
Legal requirements
Regulatory requirements
Data protection regulations
Disaster recovery.
Inland revenue requirements
Customer data
Supplier data
Payroll records
VAT
Product specs
Email


These are just a few of the areas you need to consider. Depending on your type
of business and where you operate there may well be other vital areas you
need to cover. Take the advice of both your company accountant and lawyer
when drawing up your data backup strategy.


Most Important.
Whatever decision you make between online backup,tape, or a combination of both
make sure you backup your vital data. Don't become one of the companies that each
year shut their doors and fold because they failed to secure their most valuable
asset - their data.



Last but not least.
Online backup or tape - make sure you test your backups. You should carry out regular
retrievals to make sure your data is being backup up correctly. Don't wait to
have a disaster before you realise your backup data is corrupt and unrecoverable.

For the last 20 years John Jackson has been helping all sizes and types of
businesses solve their IT problems. He has a proven track record of providing
sound, business focused solutions, that are both reliable and affordable.

Online backup - If you need help or advice on putting together a backup
strategy John can be reached at john.jackson@computer-support-services.co.uk