The process of backing up data is constantly evolving. Fifteen years ago, companies were writing data to tapes and either carrying the tapes offsite or shipping them to a secure facility. Five years ago, backing up to disk and repeating the process of the tape, but with a hard drive, was commonplace. Over the last few years, organizations have backed up data to network storage and then transported it offsite via online data transfers.
What will tomorrow bring when it comes to securing your data?
Recovery is the game
The process of backing up refers to copying and archiving data so that it may be used to restore the original data after loss or event. Backups have two distinct purposes.
The primary reason is to recover data after loss and the secondary purpose is to recover data from an earlier time. Both these represent a simple form of disaster recovery, which keep all aspects of a business functioning in the midst of disruptive events.
From product to service
Rapid technology advancements have been the driving force behind the backup evolution process. Larger files and cheaper storage created the need for higher capacity backups. Faster Internet connections and cloud repositories opened the door to the online backup. With the sudden influx of cloud hosting, the delivery of storage as a service rather than a product, the need for a local backup has almost been eliminated.
Many cloud providers are now offering data backups as part of the hosting service, which truly is a game changer for most organizations. Cloud storage is becoming less expensive and easier to migrate to. For many businesses, the reduced costs in backup alone can offset a large portion of the cost to make a jump to a cloud-based operation.
Current backup solutions require a licensing fee (per server), a storage server and a cloud based repository or archival solution. If you are outsourcing your backup, then you are paying a service fee and a per GB storage fee on a recurring basis. In the future of cloud hosted solutions, all these charges disappear as well as the hassle of managing and troubleshooting any issues.
Cloud backup perks
Thinking about moving your data to the cloud environment? Here are some benefits:
- There’s no data in your offices—it’s all on the Internet
- There’s no backups to send away—it’s all handled by the cloud provider
- There’s no more VPN issues—you’re just connecting to the cloud
This is the future of data backup and we are working toward making it a reality for our clients. What’s holding you back from taking your organization to the cloud?
About the Author
Jeremy Kaikko is MainSpring’s Consulting and Integration Director who works with business leaders to secure and move their businesses forward. Raised in northern Maryland, Jeremy enjoys spending time with his kids and friends, fishing and cheering on the Washington Capitals and Kansas City Chiefs. He has been at MainSpring for over 20 years.