Losing business data can happen to anyone, no matter the size of the company. In fact, not having a reliable backup system in place is one of the top reasons for business failure. According to a University of Texas study, 94% of businesses fail to survive following a disastrous data loss, with 43% unable to reopen and 51% shutting down within two years.
Read on to learn the importance of data backups and how to choose the right backup system for your business.
Why is data backup important?
Backing up data is essential to protecting a business from potentially disastrous data loss. By having multiple copies of important records and files stored in different locations, you can ensure that your data remains recoverable in case a disaster happens. Backups can also help you avoid downtime due to system failure or malicious attacks.
Which type of data backup system does your business need?
With so many types of data backup out there, it can be difficult to decide which is best suited for your enterprise. This guide lays out the primary differences between data backup types and will help you make an informed decision.
- Full backup – This creates an exact copy of the data as it existed at the time the backup was created. Full backup takes longer to complete, but it is the most reliable form of backup and can be used to restore an entire system from scratch if necessary. Note that full backups can take up a lot of space and require regular updates.
- Incremental backup – This only backs up changes that have been made since the last backup was taken, thereby allowing businesses to save storage space. However, this type of backup can be less reliable than full backups, as new information may not be backed up until after it has already been changed or deleted.
- Differential backup – This involves storing a copy of any information that has changed since the last full backup was taken and allows businesses to maintain a more recent backup while taking up less storage space than a full backup would require.
- Mirror backup – Also known as "disk imaging," mirror backups create an exact duplicate of the source data so that it can be used to restore an entire system, including the operating system, applications, and settings, if necessary. This type of backup is ideal for businesses that need to protect their data from any kind of loss.
- Full PC backup – This is a complete copy of all data and settings on a computer, including every file, folder, application, and operating system, that are currently installed. It is the most comprehensive type of data backup since it captures a replica of the system in its current state. Full backups are ideal for businesses that need to protect their critical data and system configurations in case of a major disaster or system failure.
- Local backup – This type of backup stores all files and information on the same physical device or system. Local backups are typically created by copying all data to an external hard drive, thumb drive, or other storage devices. This type of backup is relatively quick and easy to create, as it does not require additional networking or an internet connection.
- Cloud backup – This is a type of remote data storage system that entails storing all files and information on an off-site server. Cloud backups are stored in the cloud, meaning they can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. They also provide extra security, as the data is not kept physically on premises. Cloud backups are ideal for businesses that require data to be constantly backed up and accessed remotely.
- Off-site backup – This type of data backup stores files and information on an off-site server rather than on the same physical device or system. Backing up off site ensures that any data loss due to natural disasters, cyberattacks, or other similar events won't affect the backup.
Each type of data backup has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to consider which type fits your business best. Some businesses may use multiple types of backups to ensure their data is protected and accessible when needed.
When choosing which type of data backup system to use, you should consider how much storage you need and how often you want your data backed up. In addition, you should also consider how long you need to back up your data — that is, whether you want short- or long-term protection.
Additionally, don't forget to factor in your budget when choosing a solution, as some systems can be expensive depending on the amount of storage needed and the frequency required for updating the backups.
Related reading: Top tips for backing up your PC
Ask the team at Healthy IT for the best data backup solution for your business. Book a consultation today.