A cloud backup provider is a backup system that runs through an online software application. Backup is typically scheduled depending on the client’s preference. Backup refers to the collection, encryption, transport, storage and protection of data. The cloud service hype started in recent years as companies discover the advantages of getting a cloud backup provider.
According to Gartner, more than half of 1000 Global companies will be storing sensitive data to the cloud as the year 2016 ends. Companies would relieve financial struggles by cutting costs without compromising efficiency in data management. Why do companies invest much to manage and protect data? The answer lies on the treasure buried in big data. This information may predict patterns, guide through critical decisions and reveal business mistakes. The collection and analysis of big data falls under business intelligence. However, majority of companies still fail to use data to their advantage because of lack of storage and backup, of analytic intelligence and data security.
Why Your Company Needs a Backup Provider
One thing that is consistent in business is the rapid growth of data. Many other technology struggles come along with this fast change. Information must go through the necessary processes – storage, protection, organization and analysis. Here are some of the problems you may encounter along the way:
- Increase in spending. You may notice that you’re spending more and more on accommodating all the information. This means an increase in physical space, hardware, software, personnel and energy consumption. As business grows, the demand for data may also magnify, but all the fast changes may compromise the speed of performance and accessibility. Businesses would spend more and more money and time.
- Possible data loss. A glitch in the system might cause an unfortunate crash or permanent damage to the information system. Data loss could cost you partners and clients along the way.
Advantages of Hiring a Cloud Backup Provider
The following are more reasons why more and more companies, whether big or small, are considering the cloud. Find out more about the advantages of using cloud:
Accessibility
In business, every cent and every second counts. Having access to your data anytime and anywhere the Internet can reach would save you a lot of hassle and risks. You can’t always bring your laptop or hard drive everywhere. You won’t always have time to visit the office to transfer some big data. The cloud can even be reached through a mobile device. While trouble is inevitable, you can ensure that your data is still accessible when it’s protected by cloud. You may lose your data to fire damage or thieves, but that’s what backup is for.
Efficiency
Based on a report by Dobson Technologies, one of the main reasons why people are turning to cloud is the reliable performance. Cloud backup allows companies to control their data while it is safely stored. Cloud operations are automatic, saving a lot of time and work on the company’s part. In a larger scale, another big advantage is that data from other sites and branches are centralized. This allows you to centrally organize and compile all data from different sources. Furthermore, most of the cloud systems are built with user-friendly interface and would not require hiring teams of experts.
According to a 2015 Industry Report by Nasuni on The State of Cloud Storage, the performance of a cloud backup provider covers its speed and availability. Cloud services are able to handle large collection of files with varying sizes. Another aspect of performance is the responsiveness. The cloud should always be available for changes in data. Providers complete different types of requests all the time such as writing, reading and deleting files. The speed and efficiency of its performance is what makes it reliable. The same Nasuni report recognizes Microsoft Azure as one of the best cloud backup providers in performance and scalability and reveals Google to be leading in responsiveness.
Affordability
Not all companies can afford to spend a lot on storing and utilizing information. Small businesses can’t easily prioritize information system when writing budget plans. Investing in cloud services only take help you cut back on space, energy consumption, additional people, maintenance and hardware costs.
Scalability
There’s more to a service than just efficiency. Data in the business world is dynamic. As information magnifies, a cloud backup provider must be consistently efficient. There’s no room in performance for a compromise. Scalability is one of the biggest advantages of cloud service. Valuable data must be handled only by a service that can keep up to the demands of the unpredictable world of business.
The benefits of this feature include quick setup and configuration of system. Cloud services integrate well with different operating systems, devices and applications. Things get more complicated as data continues to grow. The demand for capacity, configurations, maintenance and recovery also escalates. Traditional information systems would take too much time to expand space and it would not be cheap. The cloud can adapt to a bigger scale without costing too much time and money.
Security
According to an annual study by the Ponemon Institute, more than 80 percent of respondents expressed their anxiety due to possible data loss. Some businesses, especially small ones, may opt to compromise security to avoid the additional costs it may require. Securing data is an investment itself. It saves companies from unforeseen data breach or software damage. Most of cloud backup providers offer security measures such as signature, encryption, password management, backup build and other protection features that may fit the company needs.
Hiring a cloud backup provider also comes with disadvantages especially when you didn’t pick among the best cloud backup providers. Here are things you should consider:
- Recovery time. As mentioned earlier, performance is an important factor in efficient cloud service. However, in some types of businesses, the traditional storage and backup methods could be more convenient. These types of businesses are those that use collection large-sized files instead of many small-sized ones. Depending on the frequency of backup, you could possibly face a lot of trouble if full recovery takes too much time.
- These limitations depend on the level of service you purchased. If you didn’t take into account possible rapid growth of data or expansion, you may experience bandwidth or sync issues. Fortunately, some providers let clients upgrade purchase level easily.
- If you don’t choose your provider well, you may experience dishonest talk on price. Before you know it, you’ll be paying unexpected hidden fees. This is a major backfire for companies that chose cloud backup to cut back on spending. Read some reviews of cloud backup providers to avoid dishonest fees.
Despite these cons, many businesses still favor the cloud as its pros outweigh the cons in their case. Also, these disadvantages can be avoided if you know how to get the best backup provider that fits your company. There are a lot of things to consider when doing this.
Choosing a Good Backup Provider for Your Business
While a cloud backup provider offers various advantages, knowing the prominent and urgent needs of your business is a must. Then, you should also consider how this will affect your data business in the long run. For instance, you might ask yourself what kind of data you might be handling in the next five to ten years. Selecting a provider that could cater these needs efficiently will help you get the most out of the deal. Here are some tips on how to choose a good cloud backup service:
- Is your data secure? One of the reasons why you seek data backup is to secure your data. Find out what happens during a disaster. With big data, so much is at stake. How often do disasters happen? Find out how the service will recover and how fast does the system fully recover? Depending on the amount and type of data you handle, it may take some quick hours or long miserable days.
- Is the service worth the cost? One of the advantages of getting a backup service is the spending you can save. However, cost-cutting should never compromise quality especially when it comes to handling valuable data. Also, the most expensive service does not always mean it offers the best quality. Look out for hidden charges that may ruin your budget plan. A good provider should be open and straightforward when it comes pricing.
- Is the provider easily compatible with your previous resources? See if the service might have issues with your Internet provider. If you have major expansion plans in the future, the service must be able to accommodate it. One of the common problems companies face in shifting to cloud is the integration of systems including that of their partners and clients.
The cloud can benefit various types of businesses, whether big, mid-sized or small. All these advantages clearly show how cloud backup could solve your IT struggles and completely change the direction of business. Check out different reviews of cloud backup providers to find the perfect fit for your business.
Jeev Trika
Latest posts by Jeev Trika (see all)
- 5 Reasons to Use Compliance Software for Business Management - November 25, 2016
- How to Find Reliable Reviews of Video Conferencing Software - November 24, 2016
- Why You Must Read Best Business Intelligence Software Reviews - November 23, 2016