Options for backing up data have greatly increased in the last few years. As storage demands become greater, some business owners have begun to turn to online services rather than trying to do it all themselves. This form of data storage can be advantageous to business owners, although it may not be the best option for everyone.

Why online backup is a good idea

Until just a few years ago, companies had no option but to use their own equipment and software to store data. Online backup services provide several advantages over this traditional method of backing up data. Learn also about the advantages of using an online backup at rightclickit.com.au.

*Online backup services provide increased reliability. If the company’s own data-storing hard drive fails, that information may be hard to retrieve or even gone forever. When it’s stored online, that information can easily be downloaded, getting the business back up and running quickly.

*If the business has employees that travel frequently or work from home, online backup services offer them the ability to access the data from any location at any time as long as there is an Internet connection. In addition, these services work across all platforms, allowing workers to access the backup up material using a personal computer, smart phone or tablet.

*Backing up information in-house requires an employee to remember to do it on a regular basis, as well as take the time to accomplish the task. Online backup services can be set up to do so automatically, freeing personnel to perform other duties.

*Owners can safely budget for costs associated with backing up data when using an online service. Those providers charge a monthly fee and there are no surprise purchases to worry about from equipment failing. In addition, if the company suddenly needs more space, expansion is easy online and again does not require the purchase of new machines.

Why online backup may not be a good idea

Online backup may not be the best solution for every business. There are some issues that should be considered.

*While the data may be encrypted during and after transmission, there is still the small possibility of the system getting hacked by someone. That could make the stored information vulnerable.

*While connectivity through a website allows for easy access, it also makes the company reliant on the Internet. If the company’s connection fails then the business will not be able to reach the data it is storing. Large amounts of data can also take longer to transfer to or from an online server than with a connected hard driver in the office.

*There is some loss of control over digital files. Since the provider is constantly backing up the files it is storing as a safety precaution, when someone deletes a file there is the possibility a backup may still exist in the system without their knowledge.

Online services provide an easy and inexpensive way to backup data. There are some issues that should be considered first, but the ease of use may outweigh any negatives for most businesses.

This is a guest post from Lucy Matthews on behalf of a site that has more advice on online backup and how to choose a service provider.