Cloud usage has been ramping up in recent years and shows no signs of slowing down. There’s a vast array of services to be gained from migrating to the cloud for your business, and cloud backup services are a great addition.
To avoid confusion between Cloud Storage and Local Storage, Cloud Backup (also referred to as Cloud Storage) is when a company stores its data, applications, and software on a remote server, usually hosted by a cloud service provider. This contrasts with Local Backup, where the digital data is saved on physical devices like hard disk drives (HDDs), solid state drives (SSDs), or other external storage devices. Both have their advantages, but there has been a larger migration to the cloud and less usage of local backups.
Why Do I Need a Cloud Backup Service?
One of the key benefits of Cloud Backup lies in cloud security. The cloud provides the ability to protect local data by maintaining the backup at an off-site location. If your data encounters a local accident or disaster, data backed up on the cloud will be safe. Additionally, Cloud Backups provide protection against cyberattacks, since most breaches attack on-premises systems. It pays to have off-site backups in the cloud to keep your data secure.
Utilizing Cloud Backups also saves you money, as many services provide a basic level of cloud storage for free. Additionally, the cloud provides unlimited backup storage, but keep in mind that most services charge a subscription fee for these higher tiers of backup space. Despite these additional fees, the cost for scalability with the cloud is usually much cheaper than increasing storage for local backup storage.
One small disadvantage to Cloud Backup is the data recovery speed. Because the cloud is based on your network connection, the speed will depend on your network and the size of the backup files. A full backup of all points of data from the cloud can take hours, sometimes days, to restore your entire database. However, it is much easier to download a handful of files from the cloud.
This is one area where local backup has an advantage. Your data can be restored quickly using a local backup, but there is no defense against localized disasters such as floods, tornadoes, or hurricanes.
The true answer to “Why do I need a Cloud Backup service?” is a little more complicated than just “go get a cloud backup service”.
Most businesses today are using what is considered a hybrid approach, which combines Local Backups with Cloud Backups. This is often referred to as the 3-2-1 rule of backup, in which there are three copies of data, using two different media types, with one copy being offsite. This is where the Cloud Backup comes into play, as it works as both a second media type and as the offsite copy.
I’m a Small Business Owner and I Don’t Have Time to Research Them!
No need to panic! Most small-to-medium-sized businesses don’t have a cyber security expert on retainer, so it becomes more prudent to rely on the expertise of a cloud provider.
While there are a lot of Cloud Backup services that are out there, there are a few metrics to look for to help find the best service. The best cloud providers will offer increased security by employing additional security measures, like data encryption and increased network security.
Which Cloud Backup Service is Best for Me?
However, a Cloud Backup service is only one aspect of the services provided within a cloud platform. It’s essentially the same thing as trying to find the best tie for formal attire. If all you need is the tie, then you may be served well by hunting down the best tie you can find. But for most, a full suit will also meet the needs and will serve a better purpose going forward. In this case, cloud backup and cloud storage are only components of a larger and more comprehensive offering, like CloudKeySM.
CloudKey is the all-inclusive cloud platform that allows clients to build, manage, and run their applications in a streamlined and cost-effective manner. Every business is unique, and their needs aren’t one-size-fits-all, so CloudKey is custom tailored to your specifications to provide what you need from the cloud. This includes utilizing the CloudKey platform to allow configuration with cloud backup solutions. CloudKey is more than just a source for data backup, it is the cloud platform that can be customized to fit your business. Contact Global IP Networks for best cloud services.
