If you want to ensure your enterprise security, then you must backup your critical data. There can be various causes of data loss. Sometimes you can lose your data because of a hardware failure or user error. Security breaches are also becoming more common. Hackers are constantly looking for new vulnerabilities. Almost every business relies on their network system. Thus, it is important to make sure that your system is secured. Data loss can damage your company’s reputation. In some cases, companies never recover from a data loss. Hence, you must use the right recovery measures.
Data Backup for Enterprises
It is not easy to backup your whole business data. You have to make some major decisions before backing up your data. There are two different types of back up you can use: physical on-site backup or cloud-based backup. Both of them have their own set of merits and demerits. In this article, we are going to compare both methods.
Cloud-based Backup
This is also known as an online or remote backup. In the cloud-based backup, all your important data is copied into a cloud server. You can access your data from anywhere in the world. The cloud-based solution is very popular among small or medium-sized businesses. You don’t need to buy your own external hardware for storing your data. Thus, most of the companies are moving their critical applications to their cloud servers. The best thing about cloud backup is that it is a user-friend. You can craft it according to your business requirements. There are various cloud providers available in the market.
Advantages of Cloud-based Backup
- Scalability: Cloud-backup will allow you to scale up or down according to your business needs. The cloud has virtually unlimited space. Thus, you can easily increase your storage space. You don’t need to worry about buying a new server.
- Better disaster recovery: Cloud providers will ensure that your data is safe from disasters. They will store your data in various geographical locations. Thus, your data will always stay away from natural calamities. Even if one data center is hit by disaster you can still recover your data from other data centers.
- Cost savings: Cloud backup will cost you less when compared to on-site backup. You don’t need to worry about renting extra space for your server. Also, you don’t need to buy any external hardware like a server or cable. Cloud backup is perfect for small companies that don’t have an IT department. You don’t need an IT department for managing your cloud server. Thus, you can save a lot of money by switching to cloud backup.
- Accessibility of data: The best thing about cloud backup is that you can access your data from anywhere in the world. All you need is a working internet connection. Cloud backup will ensure that your data is only a few clicks away. You can use your mobile or laptop for accessing your important data.
Disadvantages of Cloud-based Backup
- Speed: The cloud backup depends on your network connection speed and bandwidth. If you have a slow internet, then it will take a long time to upload your data. Most of the physical on-site backup solutions are faster when compared to cloud-based solutions.
- Security: Cloud service providers are constantly working on improving their security. They are hiring security professionals for protecting their user’s data. But, still, there are many security risks associated with cloud storage. Companies are always scared about the fact that someone else can access their data. If you are using an on-site backup solution, then you can always monitor your systems.
- Control: Cloud users don’t have full control over the storage process. Thus, most financial companies are still using on-site backup solutions.
Physical data backup
Physical data backup is also known as a local backup. In this users will store all their important applications and data in a local disk like SAN or NAS. It offers more control when compared to cloud backup. You will have full control over your important data. The recovery time is also less when compared to the cloud-based model.
Advantages of Physical data backup
- Control: You will have full control over your information. Thus, you can make adjustments according to your business needs. It will also make sure that only you can access your data.
- Faster data recovery: If you are using local disks, then you don’t need to worry about your internet speed. You can easily retrieve all your data from your data center.
- Better Security: If you are storing your data locally, then your IT department can monitor it. Also, your data will free from viruses or malware attacks.
Disadvantages of Physical data backup
- Cost: You need to invest a lot of money in buying new equipment. Also, you need a dedicated team that can monitor your data center. You will also be responsible for the upgrade, maintenance and energy costs. Hence, physical data backup is more expensive when compared to cloud-backup.
- Flexibility: If you are using a physical storage solution, then it is difficult to scale up your business. You need to buy new hardware for increasing your storage capacity.
- Disaster Recovery and Accessibility: You can’t access your local backups from a remote location. Also, if a disaster hits your business, then your backups will be destroyed. Some companies will store their data in different locations. But, it will become difficult to manage your offsite backup.
Conclusion
These were all the pros and cons of both backup models. The decision will ultimately depend on your business needs. If you are a small company with limited staff, then the cloud-based backup is perfect for you. You don’t need to worry about buying new hardware. Most of the big companies are still sticking with local storage solutions. They want full control over their data. If you want more information about backup and recovery solution, then you can contact Bleuwire.
Contact us today to learn about Bleuwire™ services and solutions in how we can help your business.
