Difference Between Onsite and Offsite Data Backup

All computer systems have the potential to fail. When that happens, significant information may be lost forever. Most business professionals understand how critical it is to back up company data. Backup systems have one purpose – to restore data in the case of an emergency. The advancements in cloud backup technology have opened up possibilities that improve the backup process. Knowing the difference between onsite and offsite data backup will come in handy when it is time to create storage protocols.

A Little about Cloud Technology

By now, anyone with computer savvy has at least heard of cloud technology. Working in the cloud means companies get all the benefits of expensive hardware without the capital expenditure. Cloud service provides high-quality servers with regular maintenance and upgrades by IT professionals. For businesses, there is no costly or space consuming equipment that requires full-time attention, just a service fee.

Onsite Backup

Onsite backup systems are limiting. They work for data that is not permanent or critical. With an onsite process, information sits on a local storage device. This usually means a flash drive, DVD, external hard drive – any form of external equipment. Advantages to onsite storage include:

• Data is readily available
• Companies own the storage medium
• Access to information does not require Internet service

The downside to this method of backup is the potential of catastrophe. Onsite storage medium is not permanent. It can fail if a disaster happens. A broken water pipe is all it takes to ruin onsite storage. The data exists in a very fragile environment.

Offsite Backup

Offsite backup offers most of the same advantages as onsite storage but without the risks. A cloud backup system is like renting a virtual offsite storage container to keep valuables safe. Cloud technology allows businesses to access the platform via the Internet. Offsite data servers provide:

• Immediate access from any location
• Data preservation

The beauty of an offsite platform is dueling backup processes. A company backs up their system onto the cloud. The cloud service also backs up their information. Even if one side goes down, a copy of the data will remain intact.

With an offsite program, all businesses need to gain access to their information is Internet service or FTP. This allows the company to recover at any location. For example, if there is a fire that shuts down the main office, a remote location can keep the company going to diffuse down time. A proper disaster recovery plan includes storage of a backup system. Cloud technology offers everything a company needs to protect itself from disaster.

Making a Choice

Deciding whether a business will do better with an onsite or offsite backup plan is a matter of preference. Many companies opt to do a little of both. Critical data that requires permanent storage can go to the cloud backup platform. Local medium is available for saving information that is less pertinent. Data not vital to the company’s survival can sit on an external disk.

When it comes down to it, a backup system is only as reliable as the storage medium. The advancements in technology have made devices such as external hard drives almost indestructible, but there is always the possibility of system failure. A cloud backup platform eliminates that risk with their backup program. Offsite data storage means information is safely tucked away inside the cloud.

Related posts:

1. Losing Your Data Will Put Your Business In Jeopardy – Cloud Backup To The Rescue
2. The Vital Importance Of A Backup System
3. 8 Data Loss Statistics Every Small Business Owner Should Be Aware Of
4. Seven Top Reasons To Use A Cloud Backup Service
5. Can Your Business Survive If You Lose Your Data?