The Pros and Cons of Cloud Backup and Disaster Recovery
By Matt Brennan
There’s no question downtime can spell disaster for your business. Companies need to be ready for data loss, and cloud backup is an effective way to do that. Data loss or cyber theft can run companies out of business, so they need a strong contingency plan.
Strict reliance on on-site data recovery will leave companies vulnerable to disasters such as fire or flooding. Using cloud backup means that your data will exist in a remote location, ready for you in case you need it. Think of it as a data insurance policy.
What Cloud Backup and Disaster Recovery Is
Cloud backup is simply sending your data to an offsite vendor. Cloud backup is typically a very secure method for data storage. Regular backups will help to ensure that all of your information can be recovered in the event of a disaster.
Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of this method of data storage.
The Pros of Cloud Backup and Disaster Recovery
The cloud provides businesses with a more robust system for backing up data. Below are some of the advantages.
Data is Easily Accessible
As long as your internet is up and running, data is available at any time. Data can be accessed from computers, tablets, or phones. Most cloud platforms also offer varying levels of access depending on an employee’s rank within your company, which is another way that your data remains secure.
It’s a Reliable Storage Method
Cloud backup platforms tend to use the latest, most innovative hardware and software to store your data. Any hardware or software upgrades are the responsibility of the cloud service provider, making data storage simpler and more reliable for you.
If something goes wrong with your in-house data storage, it’s your responsibility. If something goes wrong with your cloud storage, it’s theirs. Cloud storage companies have the resources and ability to use top-notch hardware and software solutions to better protect your information.
It’s Highly Secure
Some of the best cloud platforms use data centers to store your information on multiple power grids. Some might even have armed security. Some data centers even use military-level encryption as an added layer of data protection.
Convenience
Cloud backup can be automated so that you and your team can focus on responsibilities that are more central to your business. If you ever need to recover data, the process is almost always straightforward and easy to understand.
The Cons of Cloud Backup
There are a few downsides to cloud backup and disaster recovery as well.
Internet is Required
Following a disaster, your company could face an internet outage that prevents you from being able to access cloud-stored data. If you are without wifi or power for an extended period of time following a fire or flood, this could easily become problematic.
Excessive Bandwidth Requirements
Backing up large amounts of data can be demanding on your bandwidth, slowing the process and causing troubling delays.
Excessive Time Issues
Full disaster recovery can take a significant amount of time, depending on the volume of data lost. This scenario may still require some costly downtime to complete a full recovery.
Is Cloud Backup Right for You?
Cloud backup and disaster recovery almost always provides an advantage for your business. It’s an important tool in your arsenal to protect yourself against the devastating effects of data loss. It can also be used as a method for marketing to your customers that their sensitive data remains safe.
Like anything else, there can be drawbacks. It may still take time to complete a full recovery, especially if the wifi or power remain down. Make sure that you explore the data recovery options that are right for your company.
