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..

Data backup service.

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.

The products you will or may avail of are as follows:

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.

In summary
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 www.backupanytime.com/contact.htm 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.