Always up to date: The topic of data backup is of concern to both private individuals and companies. In the private sector, data loss is extremely annoying, but for companies the consequences are much more far-reaching. An alternative to local backup is the use of a cloud server. Here, modern technologies are used and the security measures are usually much higher than at home. But what are the actual possibilities of cloud backup?
Advantages of Cloud Back-up
Hardware defects are often not predictable. This not only affects the working environment, but also back-up media. In addition to wear and tear, power failure, water damage, fire, lightning, theft or loss are risks that cannot be ignored. Such risks are minimized when backing up on a cloud server, because the data centers of reputable providers are equipped accordingly and are also prepared for unforeseeable situations.
Many service providers provide appropriate software to automate the back-up. In the private sector and for less large data volumes, free services such as Dropbox are available. Here, however, you yourself are responsible for the security of your back-up by assigning a suitable password and protecting it. The transfer can also involve risks. Other service providers such as Acronis, Symantec or Mailstore do not work with virtual data folders and direct access. They offer much more storage volume, ideally encrypted transfer, and charge an affordable fee for it.
Software for online data backup
The security of online storage services can be optimized by software like Areca Backup or Duplicati. It works together with the common services which Data but will be saved before transmission to Dropbox or Google Drive encrypted and compressed. It is also possible to use standard protocols such as FTP, WebDAV or SSH. Unauthorized access during the transfer as well as to the data saved online is made more difficult by the use of the software.
Complete system backup
Much more sophisticated are special software solutions designed for professional use, for example Carbonite Server Backup from Mailstore. Here, modern encryption is used, the backup is done during operation and the backup can be done locally as well as in the provider's data center or in parallel. The encryption is AES 128-bit or optionally 256-bit, whereby the processes can be adapted to your specific requirements. The backup as an image with the so-called bare metal recovery enables an immediate data recovery - if required also on newly used hardware.
Depending on the package selected, the type and number of possible system backups of physical and virtual environments differ. A key advantage of the software with cloud connection via a German data center is the ability to back up not only sensitive data, but also complete applications and databases. Compatibility with mailstore archives from the same provider is of course also guaranteed, so that important communications are also preserved. The running operation is not affected by the automatic processes and the provider of course assures the necessary data protection measures. The Costs differ with the selected scope of services.
Conclusion - Cloud Back-up as a sensible measure
Once the data is lost, the consequences are almost unstoppable and the financial damage may be much higher than the investment in suitable software. Well thought-out and configurable automation processes, encryption measures and the provision of online storage are ideal for companies that want to guarantee the highest possible security with little effort. As a private user, these are of course too powerful - here, the combination of an online storage service with back-up software can certainly serve the purpose. In principle, however, the use of cloud backup is always more sensible and effective than local backup alone.
