The goal of any business, aside from profit, is to maintain stability at all times. For that reason, technology wise, it is essential that your business systems, applications and critical files are backed up and maintained properly. Given the options below, you have plenty of opportunity to find a solution that will work best for you.

Public Cloud

With an always on connected internet service, you will be able to upload your files to a public cloud (in another location) for safekeeping. Your monthly subscription covers the cost of the software, storage, maintenance, infrastructure (e.g. redundant power, cooling, network), and security in the provider’s data center.  Your subscription will also typically be based on the amount of storage you require.  Now, it’s worth noting that many small businesses have some reservations about public cloud storage due to concerns over the security and confidentiality of their data.  This is why it’s critical to select a provider with robust security controls across all layers of their infrastructure, including—biometric scanning, 24/7/365 monitoring, regular compliance audits, state of the art encryption, private customer keys, etc.

Private Cloud

This method is also known as an internal or enterprise or private hosted cloud. Businesses tend to use this method when they already have the infrastructure (data center) in place. While this approach gives you greater flexibility and control over how your data is stored and protected, your expenses will be greater. This method though, provides excellent security as computing resources are not co-mingled with other companies. However, businesses that use this option tend to be larger enterprises, or companies that are subject to strict regulatory requirements limiting their ability to store or process data with third parties.

Do-It-Yourself

NAS (Network Attached Storage, size: 4.5” x 8.5” x 6”) is a device you can purchase as a DIY solution to backing up your files. You can choose to use an external hard drive or USB drive as well. Keep in mind that while you may save on the cost of a backup system, you will need to keep to a strict schedule to ensure your information isn’t lost. Because you have manually backed-up your files, you will need to regularly check that the files can be recovered and re-installed in the same place they were copied from. You may need to consult your software documentation to verify the correct files to back up as well. You will also need to ensure the backup drive is not located near any strong electrical currents, magnets or high heat or humidity when it is placed. You must also consider making two backups with one off-site (following the same precautions). If you are on a very tight budget with a low volume of data to manage, this may work for you.

Hybrid Backups

Known as the best of both worlds, a Hybrid backup method protects your data both on-site and offsite. Data is quickly backed up to (and can be restored from) a local device, and an extra layer of protection is added by mirroring a copy of that data offsite. This gives you the convenience and speed of onsite backups, while still protecting you from physical damage or loss caused by fire, water infiltration, theft, employee sabotage, or other disaster affecting your offices.

So which one is right for you? Ultimately it boils down to how much control you want to have, and how much time and money are you willing to spend on data backups vs. running your business. Few companies will have the need and the means to manage their own private cloud.  Others on a shoestring budget may decide that basic DIY backups are all they need.  But if you’re like most small businesses, your ideal solution is somewhere in the middle.

If you depend on your data to run your business, and you’re short on IT expertise, I firmly believe that outsourcing data backup protection to an expert is the way to go.  Consider reaching out to a company like XXX company for a complimentary consultation to see whether a cloud or hybrid solution would best fit your needs and budget.

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