All About Onsite and Offsite Data Backup

The importance of backing up crucial company data can’t be overstated. Companies worldwide understand that there’s always a possibility of a computer system malfunctioning and wiping out precious data.

This is why most companies invest in resilient backup systems that are specially designed to quickly recover lost or misplaced data.

In today’s data-driven corporate world, data is perhaps the most valuable asset that businesses possess. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most vulnerable. It doesn’t take very long to corrupt, steal, or lose important data. This has the potential to cripple your company’s ability to operate efficiently.

Years’, maybe even decades’ worth of data, which was the product of extensive analysis and diligence could become impossible to recover. Such a calamity could even result in the inability of companies to meet industry compliance, resulting in legal problems with severe consequences.

Both onsite data backups as well as offsite data backups are viable options for businesses. They both have their own unique set of features and uses. Onsite data backup typically includes using local storage devices like hard drives, magnetic tapes, or CDs to effectively store important data on a regular basis.

On the other hand, offsite data backup entails using remote servers to store data. Such remote servers can be accessed directly via the internet. Needless to say, both onsite and offsite data backup solutions are beneficial to large corporations and small, mid-sized companies alike.

Minimized Risk of Data Loss-Related Bankruptcy

It has been found that nearly 60% of companies get eliminated if their data loss exceeds a period of 10 or greater. The risk increases if this happens within 180 days of a business commencing operations.

Unfortunately, 93% of companies file for bankruptcy when they lose important data for 10 or more days. They usually do this within a year of the disaster, while some file for bankruptcy as soon as the data loss occurs.

Note that just because you have data backup and storage doesn’t mean that there’s absolutely no risk of data loss. Not many companies regularly test their storage drives and tapes, which can fail after a certain period of time passes. When they do conduct tests, clients often find that there are several points of failure in these storage devices. This is why routine data backups and testing are required to avert such disasters.

Onsite Storage Features

  • Immediate Data Access

As you have the benefit of storing all company data on company premises, onsite data backup provides immediate access to crucial files. It’s possible to quickly store this data on a network of devices too and retrieve it without using the internet.

  • Risk of Permanent Loss of Data

There is one distinct disadvantage that onsite data storage and backup have over its offsite counterpart. In case a catastrophe occurs, such as a natural disaster or a fire, onsite data can easily be destroyed, eradicating all stored company data.

Additionally, theft is also a major concern when it comes to onsite storage units. This can not only result in the loss of data, but also the loss of money and time.

Offsite Storage Features

  • Flexibility and Automation

Clients can duplicate offsite data and files via a secure internet connection across multiple geographic locations. It allows you to protect your virtually unlimited amount of data by creating multiple copies of it, encrypting it, and giving employees secure data access from any location. The data is automatically recovered, even when the client isn’t physically present to do it.

  • Potentially Difficult Data Access

Just like how onsite backup has a distinct pitfall for investors to consider, so does offsite data storage and backup. As the data is stored in a remote location, offsite data can be difficult to access at a moment’s notice.

backup data

Preventative maintenance is performed on offsite data servers by routinely taking them offline.  During this time, clients only have limited access to offsite data. They can also be completely cut off. This is why most clients who use offsite storage are given notice prior to site repair or maintenance.

How to Choose Between Onsite and Offsite Data Backup

In a nutshell, your decision to select either of the options will depend on your preference. Some clients prefer monitoring valuable data closely and tracking it consistently. This is why they opt for onsite protection. On the other hand, individuals who want access to data remotely choose offsite data backup.

The team of experts at Think Technologies Group can offer you the best advice in this regard. We strive to protect everything that’s stored on your server, including all crucial data, platforms, and operating systems. This way, we are able to rapidly restore data post-disaster and store it to different hardware, across multiple geographical locations if needed.

We provide automated data backup, as well as quick recovery options upon request at all hours of the day. We use only encrypted channels to ensure that you can easily pick up from where you left off, from any location. This includes emergency locations in case a disaster strikes.

Expert Managed IT Services

Think Technologies Group is a renowned managed IT service provider with a talented team of managed IT services and PC network solutions experts. Over the years, we have successfully stored and recovered data for hundreds of small and large business from various parts of Gainesville, Ocala, and Hollywood, FL. We only use state-of-the-art management and monitoring tools to prevent further issues.

Does your existing backup solution involve transferring the backup offsite? If yes, there’s a need for additional protection. The data should be encrypted, especially if it’s confidential or sensitive in nature. This is done to meet the compliance requirements of certain industries.

With our encrypted offsite backups, clients can rest assured that all their company data will be safe no matter where they are. Our team provides efficient IT support solutions 24 hours a day as well as an IT service desk to all clients to manage their internal support needs.

Get in touch with us to learn more.