If your business burnt down today, what would happen? Would everything fall to pieces or would you be able to move to a different location, retrieve your files and data and keep going without too much fuss?
If you are doing business in 2014, chances are you are dependent on your IT to keep things running and meet your customers’ needs. With so many businesses relying on technology to store information and keep their business running, it’s amazing how many don’t have an adequate backup and storage system for essential files.
According to the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 40% of small businesses never reopen after a disaster. Data protection and backup can be a particular challenge for small to medium sized businesses who might not have an in house IT department or external locations to keep their backups.
With recent developments in cloud technology it’s getting easier for businesses to store and retrieve information from any location and device as long as they have an internet connection. Here are the basics of how it works and a few reasons why your business could benefit from implementing a cloud backup service.
How has cloud technology changed the way files are backed up and stored?
Before the widespread uptake of cloud storage, backing up a server generally meant making physical backups of files on tape and then storing them in a remote location. With cloud technology, your server can be backed up over the internet by an automated process which takes the data and stores it at multiple remote locations. This means that you can be secure in the knowledge that your files are safely stored and easily retrievable with no extra effort on your behalf.
How can cloud storage help your business recover after a disaster?
Having an automated backup system means that you don’t have to think about backing up your data or take time to create backups regularly. Most cloud systems back up instantly and automatically which means that if something should happen without warning you can be sure that your files are up to date and no information will be lost.
Cloud storage has the benefit of storing your files offsite in a secure location. Some cloud backup services such as HP LiveVault actually store your files in multiple locations so that even if something were to happen to the servers at one location your information will still be safe. This can provide an added level of protection against more widespread disasters.
Quick and easy accessibility means that if there is a fire, flood or other disaster at your business you will still be able to access your data and information with a few clicks from any other location with an internet connection. This means that you can set up temporarily at home, in another office or even the local coffee shop and keep your business running even if your premises and all your hardware is destroyed.
If your business hasn’t taken advantage of cloud storage technology for security and protection it is well worth considering. Cloud storage services are an affordable and convenient way to keep your business up and running in the aftermath of a disaster.