Too many business people put off backing up their files. Maybe they’re too busy or it just doesn’t seem a priority in light of all the other tasks they have to perform. Beware of falling into this trap, however, because just when you least expect it, a surprise development could leave you without access to your files. Without a backup plan in place, data loss can lead to seemingly endless frustration and financial loss. It’s also important to consider that data recovery isn’t always an option, and when it is, it often proves very expensive and incredibly inconvenient.
Fortunately, there are reliable options for small business data backup. And while using at least one method is a good idea, some experts recommend using more than one at a time, just in case one of them fails. Here are two relatively easy and cost-effective options for small businesses:
Local Backup: Many people use CDs/DVDs to back up important data on their computers. This is a relatively inexpensive option, but you can accomplish the same thing, and often have more space for data, if you back up to an external hard drive or a USB drive. Keep in mind, however, that you need to guard against more than computer crashes or data corruption by storing your backed-up data offsite. If your computer and your backup files are kept in the same place, they are both vulnerable to such issues as fires or flooding; theft is a concern as well. Offsite storage is particularly important if you are using one of these options as your sole backup solution. When considering this choice, keep in mind that it can be time-consuming, so you might be tempted to put it off.
Online Data Backup: Online data backup provides good protection in the event that disaster strikes not only your computer but also your office. There are many online data backup services that safeguard your data away from your location. Often, these options have redundant storage locations so that your files are safe and sound, even if one location is compromised. Many online backup services run in the background, creating frequent backups as you make changes to your data and without requiring you to take time away from other tasks.
Some options for online data backup include services like:
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