What is Offsite Data Storage?

Posted by astratton
April 5, 2008

Offsite data storage is a method of storing data at a remote location - files, folders, or the entire contents of hard drives are regularly backed up on a remote server using an internet connection.

The rationale behind offsite data storage is simple. By backing up data on remote servers, the risk of catastrophic data loss as a result of natural disasters, theft, technical failure, or other disaster is virtually eliminated. If your building becomes unavailable, all your data can be recovered quickly using the offsite storage.

Usually with an internet connection and a web browser interface, the remote files and folders appear as if they are stored on an external local hard drive. Most organizations are clear about the need to protect their most important asset - their data. Human error, hardware failure, a virus, malicious actions, natural

disasters, theft or loss of a laptop - can all too easily result in data loss and cost the business dearly.

Offsite data storage is a secure, simple and affordable alternative to a traditional tape backup solution. Tape backup solutions can be effective, but they need an initial and sometimes expensive investment upfront, combine that with ongoing maintenance and the internal staff to support and operate them, the cost can become extensive. In essence tape backup strategy can bring with it a certain amount of ‘hassle’ - especially during a crisis when you need important business data to be recovered without delay. Offsite data storage is a modern yet proven solution to this critical process.

Who uses offsite Data Storage?

Offsite data storage is used by many businesses throughout the US and the wider world. Organizations of all sizes with an internet connection can benefit from this type of product.

There is no substitute for off site data storage. That is why major corporations have chosen this method above all others for disaster recovery. It is efficient, flexible, and secure.

Is offsite backup secure?

Backups are encrypted for complete security. Would you want someone to be able to slip one of your backup tapes into a pocket and take it to your competitor? It happens all the time. Tape backups are not generally encrypted, so anyone can read them and gain access to your client database, billing records, payroll, tax info, and everything else on your tape. Software exists that encrypts all backups for complete security so nobody, not even we, can read them.

The online backup service encrypts all data to ensure that the data is secure from the moment it leaves your server, to storage remote site servers, and during restores back to your servers. This ensures that your data is always protected by encryption during transit. The data can only be decrypted using a key you control.

Benefits of Offsite Data Storage

Insurance

Some insurance companies offer discounted insurance rates for businesses performing offsite backup and data storage.

Convenient

This process can be completely automatic or you manually carry out the operation - It’s up to you! Your backups can be scheduled daily, eliminating the need for tape labelling and indexing while your staff concentrates on running your business.

Reliable

Most solution providers will store your information on regularly maintained high quality mirrored disk servers. With integrity checking ensuring that what is being saved off site can be restored if needed.

Secure

Data is stored using encryption and your account is protected by your personal security code or password, assuring you of complete security and privacy.

Fast restore

Files are restored in minutes, not hours or even days while you wait for your IT staff to become available.

No capital expense

No upfront cost to purchase expensive media, hardware and software and the ongoing maintenance costs of hardware and software.

Cost Effective

The service scalable and available at low monthly fee.

The most valuable assets of any business organization, regardless of it size, is its data!

Offsite data storage is a secure, simple and affordable alternative to a traditional tape backup solution. Store your data with a proven and reliable service, Global Data Vault, at http://www.globaldatavault.com.

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