Small-business owners like you have a lot to think about when it comes to protecting your data. Should you invest in local data backups, or should you go with cloud backups? Both options have advantages and disadvantages, and it can be tough to decide which one is right for your business. In this article, we will talk about the pros and cons of both backup types, so that you can make an informed decision.
Related reading: How to create an effective data backup strategy
Local backups
Local data backup systems have been around for a long time, and they are still a popular option for businesses of all sizes. A local backup system stores your data on-site, usually on an external hard drive or a secure server. This is a good option if you want to keep your information as close to you as possible, and it can be faster to store and retrieve data on physical storage devices than uploading to the cloud.
You also have greater control over local backups than if your data were handled by third-party cloud service providers. What’s more, local backup solutions are especially effective against ransomware and other online attacks, as they’re typically disconnected from the internet.
However, there are some drawbacks to using local backup systems. First of all, creating and managing your own local backup system is expensive — hardware and software purchases alone can cost thousands of dollars for a team of 10–15 employees. On top of that, you’d have to pay for the maintenance, upgrades, and power consumption of the actual storage devices or servers. And if something happens to your office or your on-site storage system and you don’t have backup copies stored off-site, you may lose all of your data.
Cloud backups
Cloud backup solutions have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. These systems store your company’s data in a remote data center that’s secured and managed by a dedicated team of professionals. This is more cost-effective than purchasing and maintaining your own local backup system. This is also a good option if you want to protect your data from fire, theft, or other disasters that could occur at your office.
Cloud backups costs are more predictable, especially if you have a lot of data. Additionally, cloud backup solutions are scalable, so you can easily add more storage if your company's data requirements increase. Most importantly, cloud backups are accessible from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection.
However, there are also downsides to using cloud backup solutions. For one, you are entrusting your data to a third-party provider, which can be risky if you're handling highly sensitive information. What’s more, cloud backups can take longer to upload and download than local backups, especially if you have a lot of data. And finally, internet outages or other technical issues could prevent you from accessing your company’s data.
Related reading: The best backup solutions for remote offices
Which is the right backup solution for your business?
The right data backup solution depends on your business’s specific needs and preferences. If you want more control over your data and are willing to shell out a significant amount of money, a local backup system may be the right choice for you. However, if you want a more cost-effective and scalable solution that’s still secure and reliable, then a cloud backup solution may be the better option.
There is also a hybrid solution that combines local and cloud backup technologies. This offers both the accessibility of cloud storage and protection against data loss should either backup solution face any issues.
outsourceIT can help you roll out a reliable data backup system that will protect your small-business data. Call us today to get started!
