| ocess of copying all the relevant data on a | | | | It is advisable to store the data in an underground |
| removable or remote storage device is called a | | | | concrete bomb shelter to prevent damage from |
| backup. The data is copied on to a storage device | | | | human or natural attack. |
| and stored. There are various methods of taking | | | | Additionally the data should be transferred through |
| backup. Some of them are Full backup, Incremental | | | | secure SSL connections as a safeguard against |
| Backup and Mirror Backup. This copy of the data is | | | | someone getting an access into the data. Sometimes |
| taken at scheduled intervals. The type of backup | | | | the secure connection is compromised for the sake |
| depends upon the type and structure of the data. | | | | of faster data transfer. |
| The media is labeled accurately to enable fast | | | | Most off-site data backup solutions are web based. It |
| recovery. The data can be stored on many different | | | | is important the interface is simple and easy to use. |
| storage media. Some of them are magnetic tapes, | | | | Availability of online Help feature makes the usage |
| diskettes, CDs, DVDs, USB Flash Memory and other | | | | easier for first time users. A 24 x 7 customer |
| solid-state devices. | | | | support is an essential requirement. |
| Many software solutions automate the whole | | | | These are a few features that should be kept in |
| process of data backup. The data copying is | | | | mind before finalizing off-site data backup software. |
| activated at a scheduled time and the backup is | | | | Most of the off-site data backup software offers a |
| stored over the Internet as an off-site data backup. | | | | limited period free trial offer. It is advisable to take |
| If a file or set of data is damaged, a copy of the | | | | advantage of this feature to try out the software. |
| same is made available at a request. | | | | The user can arrive at a decision by actually |
| There is a variety of software in the market that is | | | | comparing the results of a few solutions. If a vendor |
| offering off-site data backup support. The process is | | | | satisfies all these criteria, the user can rest assured |
| as follows | | | | that the critical data would be in safe hands. |
| - Software is installed in the central server or | | | | Off-site data backup need not be restricted to |
| computers as the case may be. | | | | offices only. It is equally relevant for the computers |
| - Backup schedule is prepared and saved in the | | | | at home too. Having a computer at home is no more |
| software module. | | | | restricted to a few top echelon executives. A vast |
| - As per the schedule, the software automatically | | | | multitude of the population owns at least one |
| takes the relevant backups of the files. | | | | computer at home. Besides, many people use laptops |
| - This copy is encrypted before being transmitted. | | | | to carry work from home to office and back. |
| - The encrypted copy is transmitted over a secure | | | | Home computers face a lot more threat than those |
| Internet to an off-site location where the backup is | | | | in an office environment. The rules are much more |
| stored on disks. | | | | lax, hence the computer is at a much more risk of |
| - A copy of backup is also stored at a different | | | | being damaged. Most of the people think nothing |
| location to ensure foolproof safety of the data. | | | | about bringing in a cup of coffee to the computer |
| Off-site data backup works on the assumption that | | | | worktable at home. Some even carry a plate of |
| the data stored at remote location is completely | | | | snacks along. A spill can wreck havoc on your |
| safe. However, it would be wise to ensure that the | | | | computer and of course your data. |
| data is actually as safe as proclaimed. All The storage | | | | Hence, off-site data backup is a very convenient |
| drives storing data at the remote location must have | | | | solution for a home computer too. There are many |
| RAID5 redundancy. RAID5 ensures a hot backup in | | | | vendors offering solutions for such a scenario. The |
| case the disk crashes. The data-striping feature | | | | user just has to finalize the data-requiring backup. |
| ensures that the files remain physically intact and | | | | Based on the compressed backup size a cost |
| safe. | | | | effective plan for payment can be opted. So, stay |
| The data storage center should have adequate | | | | secure and be sure by submitting your precious data |
| protection against fire. There should be controlled | | | | to an off-site data backup solution provider. |
| access to protect data from theft. | | | | |