Data Backup

Does the thought of losing important data keep you up at night?

Here at Colbatech Solutions we believe backup is the most important IT related function that your company needs do well. Data backup is the only insurance against data loss caused by hardware failure, viruses, accidental deletion, theft, and natural disasters. Many companies don't consider all the important factors that make up a good backup strategy. A good backup strategy is one that comprehensively protects your company's data regardless of the way the data is lost.

The Three Most Important Components of a Great Backup Strategy

1. Centralization

   The simpler the backup strategy, the better. The easiest way to simplify is to centralize. If you have a business environment with multiple computers, you don't want each individual's data on their respective computer. It's better to consolidate the data into one place. Consolidating saves on software licenses (saves money), makes it easier to set folder and file permissions (provides better security), and makes backup less cumbersome to monitor and manage (saves on labor). Sometimes data consolidation is not possible such as when a company's staff is spread out geographically and shares no physical workspace. However, backup reporting can be centralized to quickly determine if a backup is failing.

2. Redundant Backups

   With an off-site backup if your office were to burn down, flood, or become a victim to theft, you would still have your data safely tucked away.

   Whenever possible, you should have an on-site and off-site backup. An on-site backup is a backup that is literally created at the office. An on-site backup is useful for quickly restoring large amounts of data and for reducing variables that may cause backups to fail. On-site backup provides more options for restoring data and reduces the time it takes to get up and running after a complete hardware failure. Off-site backups create a copy of your data somewhere other than your office. If you had to choose one type of backup, off-site is the way to go. If your office were to burn down, flood, or become a victim to theft, you would still have your data safely tucked away. You would be able to get back to work at an alternate location if needed.

3. Multiple Days of Backups

   It's a great idea to keep at least 5 days worth of backups. Companies with compliance needs may need to keep more. Relying on only one day of backups is dangerous. People don't always immediately discover that a file has been deleted or damaged. If a file is deleted it won't be backed up with the newest backup set. If a file is damaged it will be backed-up in its corrupt state. With only one day of backup the last good files are overwritten with the bad ones, and it's like having no backup at all. Having multiple days worth of backups may also save a lot of trouble for someone who saves a file and decides they don't like the changes. They may needs to go back a few days to feel good about where they left off.

We care about protecting your data as much as you do.

We care about the integrity of your data and the continuity of your business. Even if your company has been in existence for 10+ years and never lost any data, your data will be threatened one day. Mechanical and electrical failures are inevitable and mistakes, natural disasters, and theft do happen. Don't wait until it's too late. Call us today to discuss your current backup strategy or to get one started.