| Data Backup Service Have an opinion? Voice it at our online backup technology blog
Title : Data Backup Service
Audience : Small business non tech decision makers with
an interest in availing of a data backup service.
Source : http://www.backupanytime.com/whitepaper.htm
Posted : March 07
Copyright : backupanytime original content.
Redistribution as is : No permission required (with
credits)
Modification : With written permission from backupanytime..
When you avail of online backup there are a number
of products you will or may add to your network but
essentially the main addition to your current computer
inventory will be a service. The ongoing stability of
data backup services and the willingness and ability
of the data backup service provider to support you are
paramount in your decision as to which online data backup
service to chose.
Data backup service software:
This software is the link between your organizations
infrastructure and your backup provider. It will manage
the system and allow you and the provider with your
permission to do likewise.
Remote control software:
This is often required to allow your data backup service
provider to assist you with queries. Remote control
software helps keep costs to a minimum allowing your
data backup service provider to manage your system as
if she was in your office. This also allows for physical
call outs to be reserved for critical issues only. It
is very important that you be involved in and aware
of any remote control software and that you can disable
it and require provider appointment to log in. It is
also important that your provider does not prevent any
other critical supplier such as your general network
technicians from connecting through their online software
connection.
Additional drives and drive space:
Depending on the suitability of your infrastructure,
your online data backup service company may recommend
replacement or additional hard drives at your office
prior to starting or during your online backup contract.
Uninterruptible power supply:
If you do not have a ups on your server or main data
store it is recommended that you obtain one if availing
of a data backup service. Power cuts during the day
are troublesome as it is but power cuts during the night
will not be sorted manually for the lack of personnel
to do so. UPS Products range in capability from the
basic systems which allow the system enough power stay
on for a very short period to long life and clean auto
shut down. Most suitable UPS Systems will come with
management software such as A.P.C. Powerchute.
The service you will need to avail of can be detailed
as follows. Ensure that your intended data backup service
supplier will provide everything in this list.
Automated data backup service:
Your backups should start, compress, encrypt, transfer
and stop without any need for action at your end or
your data backup service suppliers end. One of the main
features of online backup is automation, not simply
for the obvious convenience but to take human error
out of the equation in so much as is possible.
Data backup service reporting:
You should receive reports on every backup. They should
be brief and easy to understand but with the facility
for you to read extensive detail on any or all backups
when you wish. You should read them and know what to
expect and what not to expect.
Data backup service monitoring:
Your provider should have an active interest in your
backups and should examine transfer periods and quantities
on occasion as agreed with you. There is a limit to
what your provider can measure given that they can not
read your encrypted data but the frequency and quantity
of data relative to your backup history is information
they should monitor and measure for your benefit.
Data backup service audit:
New data finds itself on computers every day. Now matter
how well managed your network is, data will end up in
the wrong place on occasion. Other issues are changing
laws and compliance strategies for same. In addition,
your entire infrastructure needs to change either in
one go or over time as it wears and technology moves
on. Your data backup service provider should offer a
data audit annually to advise on the above and ensure
your system is backing up the correct data and your
encryption code is valid.
Data backup service training:
Companies with significant data management needs may
want to restore files safely on a daily basis. Training
should be offered to these clients to reduce their support
overhead and hand over more control of the system than
would be practical with a client of smaller needs. This
should not be a major issue for your provider and they
should be able to offer you a place in a training event
or one to one training if the need is immediate.
Data backup service software upgrades:
All software upgrades should be included in your contract.
Any backup company which is prepared to leave you on
an outdated software pack for the sake an upgrade charge
should be avoided. It is in the interest of any reputable
subscription service provider for all clients to be
running the most up to date software possible.
Data backup service support:
The support you receive should be the deciding factor
but not at the behest of anything else. This may sound
strict. The seriousness of the decision as to who to
trust with your data is more important than most purchases.
If you chose the wrong hair stylist you may look silly
for a few weeks. When you chose an online backup provider
the ante is upped somewhat to put it mildly.
You know you are going to have to avail of online backup.
The reason you are availing of it is to reduce risk
and provide peace of mind. The decision will only do
this if your chosen online backup service provider can
offer same. Insist on written references from companies
you have heard of and verify them. Avail of a free,
no commitment trial. Test the functionality and service
level by calling the provider during the trial without
appointment for an assisted restore.
Sign a service level agreement but do not sign in for
any period. Insist on a monthly rolling contract which
you can cancel without notice or reason. Do not pay
in advance. Insist on monthly payments only.
Backupanytime provide all of the above. Call us today
and join Ireland's most successful backup team.
If you found this document helpful you may like to
visit www.backupanytime.com/whitepaper.htm
or our website proper at www.backupanytime.com
If you are a system administrator and would like technical
details please register your interest on our contact
page requesting membership of our private white
paper area for I.T. Professionals.
Data backup is a service. Backupanytime
is a service provider.
backupanytime, your business depends on your backup,
your backup is our business.
|
