If you’ve ever lost important work data that was saved on your computer, you’ll be delighted to learn about Cloud Backup Solutions For Business.
This solution prevents your data from being deleted by accident or lost in system failures or formatting processes.
So, to find out how to keep your data safe and how to use the Cloud Backup Solutions For Business, all you have to do is read this article and we’ll explain several points about this service.
What is cloud backup?
Cloud backup is a backup copy of your files that are replicated and stored in an external space or on another device.
In this way, unforeseen events on your computer such as fires, theft, technical failures or any other situation that puts your files at risk are avoided, as everything is still available in another space that can be accessed.
In other words, cloud backup is a guarantee that none of your files will be lost, regardless of the situation your computer is in.
For companies and some employees, this is essential if all work is to be kept up to date and everything is to run smoothly – after all, the loss of a few files can put careers and companies at risk.
How important is a backup for companies?
Cloud backup is important for companies mainly because it allows all information to be accessed remotely and not on USB sticks, external hard drives, CDs or magnetic tapes.
It is also a great solution because it can be contracted as a service, i.e. it is provided and managed by a third-party company.
This company is responsible for providing external servers and leaving an employee in charge of monitoring, managing and securing the cloud backup process.
What are the types of Cloud Backup Solutions For Business?
The types of Cloud Backup Solutions For Business are: internal backup, hybrid backup and backup as a Service (BaaS).
Below, we explain each one in detail. Check them out!
Internal backup
Internal backup works by means of software that copies the server’s data to another server, which in turn is located within the company, or to a physical device.
This is not usually the most recommended form of backup, as it runs a high risk of not being effective, after all, the backed-up files are kept within the same physical infrastructure as the original files.
Hybrid backup
Hybrid backup is a combination of internal and external backup and works by the backup software collecting the data copied to a physical server and making it available on a second storage, this one in the cloud.
For organizations in the process of digital transformation, this backup is a safer option than internal backup, as it is still managed entirely within the organization.
Backup as a Service (BaaS)
Backup as a Service (BaaS) is a cloud backup model that stands out for its cost savings, security and speed.
It involves a direct link between the original server and a virtual space in the cloud, copying, storing and managing data directly in the cloud.
“As Service” is its name because with it the company can hire a backup provider, who will be responsible for the costs of data centres, taking this responsibility away from the organization and charging monthly for all the backup policies to work, according to the needs of the business.
The importance of a backup policy and how to implement it
The backup policy is fundamental for it to work effectively, regardless of the type of backup you choose for your organization.
This is because it is in the cloud backup policy that all the rules and particularities of the company’s storage are listed.
Some items that are part of cloud backup policies are:
- the frequency with which the backup will be made;
- the mass of data that will be backed up;
- the names of those responsible for monitoring
- the evaluation of the backup;
- the backup format used at each stage.
- What are the different backup formats?
- The different backup formats are: full backup, incremental backup, differential backup and continuous incremental backup.
Below, we explain each of them in more detail. Check them out!
Full backup
A full backup copies all the data on a server and takes it to another location for storage.
Copies in this format are made regardless of whether it has been altered or not.
Its advantage is that it protects all of a company’s data and can be used in the event of a disaster that requires full recovery.
Incremental backup
In this cloud backup format, only the files that have changed since the last backup are copied.
This is precisely why it is faster than a full backup, as the data copied is smaller, but the recovery phase is longer than that of a full backup, due to its complexity.
Differential backup
Like incremental backup, differential backup only copies a portion of the data, but it is able to recognize the changes made since the last full backup.
It is therefore an intermediary between full and incremental backup, especially in terms of speed of operation and storage.
Continuous incremental backup
Continuous incremental backup is similar to the incremental format but excels in data availability.
This is because it allows the data recovery process to be automated, so companies don’t have to keep an eye on which databases need to be recovered.
This format only needs the last full backup, making the process faster and clearer and requiring less storage space.
Therefore, its advantages are that it saves space and time, especially for those who use the cloud.
What to evaluate when hiring Cloud Backup Solutions For Business?
If you’re interested in hiring a Cloud Backup Solutions For Business, keep an eye on a few points you need to consider before closing the deal!
Data encryption
A Cloud Backup Solutions For Business must guarantee that all your information is encrypted with a password that is only accessible to those responsible for the organization’s data.
It is common for those responsible to be the IT department’s main employees or the organization’s management and board of directors.
Encryption turns all the data stored in the cloud into a kind of dead file for those who don’t have access to the cryptographic key, guaranteeing the security and confidentiality of your data.
Retention period
When we talk about retention, we’re talking about keeping altered or deleted versions of stored data.
It is thanks to retention that it is possible to restore a file that someone has accidentally deleted, triggering the retroactive backup and restoring it to a previous date.
Retention is also essential when a version of a file isn’t running perfectly after some maintenance, allowing you to restore the file even if it hasn’t been deleted.
Backup reports
When hiring a Cloud Backup Solutions For Business, it is important to know whether it monitors and follows up on all backup routines to the point of sending detailed reports on the progress of executions.
These reports are important because they make management simpler and allow you to find out about any abnormalities that have occurred during the process, allowing you to contact the company responsible for the service.
Service level agreement (SLA)
The SLA is a commitment that you and your company make to the backup provider.
It needs to be formulated in such a way that all your needs are met and the service is guaranteed with quality by the supplier.
Even the penalties in the event of non-compliance with the service must be described in the SLA.
Backup storage levels
It is essential that your supplier’s solutions create automatic copies on local drives, both remote (Cloud) and removable (external HDD), all automatically.
So keep an eye out, as it’s best for your company to have more than one backup copy and preferably different types of storage.
Data recovery
When looking for a supplier to hire a Cloud Backup Solutions For Business, find out how and how soon your data will be recovered in the event of a disaster.
Here are some key questions you should ask:
- Where will my backup copies be stored?
- If I need to recover them, how long will it take?
- Which document describes the recovery method and procedures?
- Is the same recovery procedure used for all disasters or incidents?
- What is the procedure and recovery time for each type of disaster? (Example: hard drive burnout, fire and the like)
- How often does the data recovery testing service take place?
Automation
Ensure that the backup process, updates and support are automated, because automated services avoid human error and are therefore a great option.
Data security
As we mentioned above, automating cloud backup reduces the risk of human error.
And by having an automated process, your company’s data security is guaranteed, as this is the best backup practice today.
This is because it will provide copies of your files and guarantee their encryption, making your information more secure within the system.
Important Features in Cloud Backup Solutions For Business
There are three main elements that every cloud backup for companies needs to include:
- Storage structure: in other words, the backup system needs to have some items that will hold the masses of backup data, such as refrigeration, data centres, batteries, electricity and generators.
- Effective backup software: to keep Cloud Backup Solutions For Business working, the system needs to put backup routines into practice and ensure that actions are monitored correctly. In other words, it’s not enough for the backup to simply acquire a place to store copies of the data – after all, a backup is not a copy.
- Backup policy: here we are talking about the strategic part of a backup plan, in which your organization assesses its real data storage and restoration needs in order to build a routine with the different backup formats, providing greater speed and security in this service.
Best business backup services (analysis)
The three best business backup services are Azure, Veeam and Acronis.
Acronis
Powered by Acronis AnyData, Acronis Backup Cloud provides your company with a personalized and reliable service, capable of backing up data from any source and recovering it to any location.
This service also offers a pay-per-use business model with no upfront costs.
This eliminates any initial investment so you can get to market faster and grow your business quickly.
What’s more, its services and benefits include:
- local and cloud backup
- efficient management;
- ecology for any database;
- multi-layer/multi-level client;
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Conclusion
So, did you like learning more about Cloud Backup Solutions For Business?
As you’ve seen, this is the best alternative for you and your company’s employees to never lose important files again, even if they are accidentally deleted or if disasters strike laptops and computers, such as fires or theft.