What types of backups should I consider?
When you decide that it is time to implement a personal or work backup strategy or, the first question that you must answer is, “What type of backup is right for me?”
The answer to this question depends on a number of factors including how much data you need to secure and the rate at which you create new data. Each backup type has unique strengths and weakness. There are more backup options available to you than you have time to consider so it helps to narrow your choices down to a manageable size. The major types of backups are:
1. Online Backups (also called Remote Backups)
Online backup services use the Internet to transfer data securely from your computer to a server managed by a service provider. There are many advantages to this type of backup. Because the server that stores your files is in a geographically separate location, your data is secure from environmental dangers like flooding, fires, earthquakes and burglars. Also, because you are leasing the hardware that is storing your files, it if fails, your service provider is responsible for replacing it.
Of course, by outsourcing those responsibilities you give up some control. It is unlikely, but entirely possible that a backup company could disappear overnight, taking your backups with them. Putting your data in someone else’s system also forces you to trust them not to make your data available to identity thieves or other crooks. In some cases you may be legally required to use a service provider that complies with regulations placed on certain industries, e.g. HIPAA for the Health Industry.
2. Local Backups
Local backups work via a large variety of methods including hard drives, tapes, CDs and DVDs. The one thing all these methods have in common is that if you choose to use them, you take on full responsibility for administering the backup process. This maybe isn’t as bad as it sounds because you have a huge number of tools to choose from that will help you do the job.
By taking on more responsibility you gain complete control of the process. If you have unique requirements, this is the route you will have to take. If your requirements are small, online backup is probably where you need to be.
We’re only getting started
In future articles I will dig into the specifics of both Online Backups and Local Backups. The good news is, because the average person’s backup needs are increasing every year, backup utilities have improved greatly in recent years and there are now more options than ever before.
