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Taking care of your data is essential for any modern business. So many business operations rely on your data that your business can be left unable to function without it, while regulatory obligations mean that losing data or having data stolen, can have significant consequences.
Having the right backup solution is essential, so that whatever happens you can recover data and get your business operational again, and there are two core options. These are online backup systems and cloud storage solutions, which on the surface can seem like the same thing.
However, the functionality they provide is very different, so which one is right for you?
Online Backup vs Cloud Storage: The Basics
To choose which option is right for your business, you first need to understand the basics of each and what they can do for you.
Cloud Storage
Here, your data is stored in the cloud and can be accessed via the internet from any device or location you need. This approach makes sharing and collaboration especially efficient.
The key benefits of cloud storage are:
- Access on any device or location, you just need an internet connection.
- Easily share digital files including documents, videos and more with other users.
- Scalability built in, just request more or less resources as required.
- Integrates seamlessly with most popular productivity applications and services.
Online Backup
Here you back up your data to a second location. The backups are not easily accessible and the solution is designed for disaster recovery, restoring lost files. When you work on files, it is always the original files hosted locally on your hardware. Backups can be performed each day or weekly, depending on your needs.
The key benefits of online backups are:
- Automated backups can be scheduled whenever is convenient.
- With off-site backups, you can restore your data in the case of disaster through an attack or virus.
- Backups are encrypted for security.
- The recovery process is fast and effective.
Online Backup Vs Cloud Storage – Where should you use them?
1. Use Cases
Cloud Storage keeps your files in the cloud for ease of access by every user regardless of their location. This solution replaces locally stored files completely, the only data you work with is in the cloud, making it great for collaboration and convenience for remote working.
Online backup takes a snapshot of all your data each day and downloads a copy to store at a secondary location. You continue to work with local files, which are backed up each day. In the event of an attack or other disaster, files are downloaded from the backup to replace those lost.
2. Security
Cloud storage uses good security, however, because every user can access files at any time from any location, there is always more vulnerability in this system than there would be in a dedicated backup service.
The online backup service uses encrypted communications to download the backup and store it, including version control systems for multiple backups. With no access to the files themselves from the backup, it has fewer points of failure and higher security standards.
3. Accessibility
The main point of Cloud Storage is that all your users can access the data they need whenever and wherever they want. The cloud is where your working files are kept, so everyone must constantly access them through the cloud system and can do so on most internet-capable devices from desktop hardware to mobile devices.
Online backup is just that, a way to recover lost files. Data is encrypted and stored and is not accessed unless it is required for disaster recovery.
4. Data Recovery
With cloud storage, the files online are the files you have. Unless you have some sort of backup system included in your cloud services, if you delete a file from the cloud, it is gone for good.
Online backup is all about data recovery. If you accidentally delete a file or lose a folder due to a virus or anything else, the latest version backed up is available to restore quickly and easily.
The Best Business and Individual Cloud Storage Solutions
While there are hundreds of options on the market, here are the best solutions available:
- Google Drive – Integrates perfectly with Google Workspace and is ideal for both individual and commercial use, with a free option for limited storage.
- Dropbox – Designed with file-sharing in mind, from version control to access, everything is well thought out and easy to use.
- OneDrive – Integrated into Windows and designed for Office 365 subscribers.
- pCloud – Offers innovative lifetime plans that are great value, and have unique security features.
- iDrive – Combining both cloud storage and online backups, provides the benefits of both.
The Best Online Backup Services for Small Businesses
It can be easy to get attracted to systems designed for larger companies with extra features and capabilities you may never use, and of course, all that comes at a price. Here are some backup solutions with the features you need and prices that don’t stretch your budget.
- Backblaze – A basic, budget-friendly, automated backup solution.
- Acronis Cyber Protect – Advanced security and backup functionality without the cost.
- Carbonite – Designed for ease of use with a feature set that small businesses need.
- Crash Plan for Small Business – Focused on business data recovery.
- Image IT’s Data Backup Solutions – Professional data backup and recovery service for business.
Choosing the Right Option: Online backup or Cloud Storage
Your use case really defines which option is right for your business. Think about how you want to use your data, and you will find the right answer.
If you need real-time file access and sharing – Cloud storage is the perfect choice.
If you need data protection and disaster recovery – Online backup options are right for you.
You probably want both ease of sharing and backup though, and that is why a combination of both services is the best option for many small businesses.
Why Invest in a Reliable Backup Service?
Cyber attacks are on the rise. Data is regarded as the most valuable asset a business owns, and with that comes increased risks. A data breach can bring your business to a halt, and whether it is outright theft or ransomware, there are more cases of malicious data loss now than ever.
Being unable to process orders, pay suppliers and more can permanently damage your business, but with a backup solution, you can quickly restore any lost data and be up and running again. With your online backup service in place, you can have confidence that whatever happens, your business will be able to respond to any data issue and continue operating with minimal disruption.
Image IT – Protecting Your Data When It Matters
The priority for your business is ensuring your data is safe. At Image IT, we have developed a comprehensive data backup and recovery service designed for the needs of small businesses like yours. With our support, you know your data is safe at all times, and a speedy backup solution is there for you if you have a problem.
Talk to our team today to see how easy it is to secure your data, and your business, before disaster strikes.
