Cloud computing is well beyond the point where it's a buzzword or even an innovative new technology for tech-savvy companies. Cloud services are now an integral part of day-to-day life for both individuals and businesses of every size. You're probably using cloud services without even realizing it, as desktop and mobile operating systems now use these services as a core part of the experience.
However, the decision to intentionally use cloud services can still feel fraught for small businesses. If your finances are tight, it might not seem worthwhile to spend the extra money on yet another monthly or yearly fee. This guide will help you explore cloud solutions for backing up your data to decide if these services are right for your small business.
What Are Cloud Backups?
As with many questions involving the cloud, the answer is "it depends." A straightforward definition is any service that allows you to store some data off-site for recovery in a disaster that causes data loss. Most backup solutions offer various security features to keep your information safe, as well as guarantees about availability and uptime.
If you've used cloud storage solutions before, then backup solutions may sound similar. There are differences, however. Whereas cloud storage solutions focus on providing you with easy access to data, cloud backup solutions are all about keeping your data secure. Many of these services also offer automated backups and other convenience features.
To better understand the distinction, it's helpful to understand a bit of IT jargon: the CIA (confidentiality, integrity, availability) triad. Cloud storage solutions focus heavily on availability, sometimes at the expense of data confidentiality and integrity. On the other hand, backup solutions focus on confidentiality and integrity, sometimes at the expense of availability.
Do You Need Cloud Backups?
In short, the answer is "yes."
Cloud backups provide peace of mind that your critical business data will remain available no matter what happens. These solutions keep your data safe, even if your server room floods or you drop that USB stick with all of your essential tax information on it. Businesses of any size can benefit from this added level of data security.
Fortunately, most of these solutions also scale well. If you only need to back up a few essential pieces of information, you can usually find a backup solution that's relatively low-cost and hands-off. When your data needs become more significant, you can scale up to a solution that can accommodate larger amounts of data, more frequent backups, or any other features you may require.
Every business in the modern economy relies on various forms of data. Utilizing a cloud backup solution is an excellent way to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of your business data under any adverse conditions you may face.
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