No matter how effective a computer is, there is always the possibility of it failing (whether it is due to manufacturer error, user error, or random disaster). These failures can cause great damage and often result in important data being lost. Savvy businesses understand the importance of backing up data. The question to ask yourself is, what type of backup do I need for my specific business?
There are two types of backup storage options for your business – offsite and onsite. As with everything, both have positives and negatives aspects; we have broken down each option to help you make the best decision for your business!
Onsite Backups
Onsite (or local) backups typically consist of data stored at your business’ physical location. This includes storing important data on local devices such as NAS, USB, hard drive, or CD’s. Advantages of onsite backups include:
Immediate access to data
Cost Effective
Internet not required for data recovery
Entire system is backed up here – in the event of hardware failure, we can immediately reload your system
However, having an onsite storage has a distinct disadvantage in comparison to offsite backups. In comparison, in the event of a physical disaster (fire, flood, etc.), the onsite data can be destroyed.
Offsite Backups
Offsite (or online/cloud) data is usually hosted on a cloud server and requires internet access in order to host the backup files. Advantages of offsite backup include:
Access to backup files from any location via the internet
Data can be shared throughout multiple locations
Meets government standards
Typically includes your most important data – in a catastrophe, your most important files are safe
Offsite backup has its disadvantages as well. Physical disasters can’t harm this data, but they can block you from retrieving your data for a time. Because this data is stored online, internet access must be available for data to be backed up or recovered. Without an internet connection, the data becomes inaccessible. It can also be a costly choice as often cloud backups require paid storage.
So, which is better?
As with many I.T. issues, the type and amount of backup your business needs will depend on your business type. Some businesses need both onsite and offsite in order to cover all their bases, while some can get by with just one. This decision is best made with the help of a professional – our technicians can help determine what will be the best solution for your business!
Looking for a backup solution for your business? At KNS we offer different backup packages that are suitable to your business’ needs. Get the backup knowledge you need to protect your data – contact our team of professionals for a free consultation!