Data backups have been around almost as long as data storage. The idea of a backup is simply to have another copy of your information in case the original data becomes corrupt or is destroyed. If your data wasn’t valuable, you wouldn’t have it. So how do you protect it and how do you restore something should you need it? Here are some common approaches and the pros and cons of each:
External Hard Drive
The most basic type of backups are those that allow users to backup their computer using an external hard drive (or similar device).
- PRO: Cheap. Easy to Setup. Requires minimal investment.
- CON: May not be automated. Automated methods often fail and/or are setup incorrectly (missing key files). Not taken off site. Users may or may not know how to restore data.
Shadow Copy
Also known as Volume Snapshot Service (VSS), a Shadow Copy is a snapshot copy of files on a computer or network. Shadow Copy comes standard with Microsoft Windows operating systems.
- PRO: One place to store data. User can restore files on their own.
- CON: Limited Shadow Copy storage on server limits how many prior versions of your file you can go back. Does not get the data off your server. Does not get the data offsite.
Backup Tapes from Server
Data stored on server can be backed up from hard drives through the use of backup tape systems.
- PRO: One place to store data.
- CON: Tapes often don’t get changed. Tapes often not taken off site (even though they should). Requires IT Staff to restore data. Tapes often don’t get replaced annually.
Hard Drive
Data stored on server can be backed up on a hard drive based backup system (i.e. NAS – Network Attached Storage)
- PRO: One place to store data.
- CON: Does not address the need to get data off site. Requires IT Staff to restore data.
Cloud Storage
- PRO: Configured on ALL machines. No capital (up front) cost. No ongoing software cost. No ongoing support cost. User can restore files on their own.
- CON: Monthly cost (although this will decline in time)
In today’s world, Cloud Backup services on ALL computers is the clearly the best option. PCS can provide your company with the perfect cloud solution through our PCS StoreIT℠ service line. Please contact us online for more information or call us at 847-701-2100.
