Pros and Cons of Cloud Backup
The recent popularity of cloud backup solutions has seen a growing number of consumers choosing an online host for their all important data backups. The appeal is clear to see. Your data is stored off-site, can be accessed anywhere you have an internet connection, and it often allows you the option to spread the cost of your backup over several months.
However cloud backup is not without its disadvantages. So, while it can be part of a good backup regimen, there are risks, and costs, involved with putting all your eggs in one basket. Consider the following Although you may be led to believe otherwise, cloud backup solutions are not infallible. There have been several instances of unforeseen data loss caused by either human error or equipment failure. It doesn’t happen a lot, but when it does, all you can do is hope that it won’t be your data that is disappearing off a server you have never even seen before. Some examples of cloud backup failures as:
- 1. Mirco Wilhelm was lucky that Flickr was able to restore the 3,400 photos they accidentally deleted from his account. Read More Here
- 2. Thousands of Carbonite customers were less fortunate when the company suffered a hardware failure in 2009. Read More Here
Some further issues that have been raised when considering cloud backup services:
1. We live in uncertain times. The financial climate that we are living under right now is not what it once was, so just how solvent and secure is your cloud backup company? If they closed their business tomorrow, would you still be able to access all your data? With any luck, you would receive sufficient notice to make other arrangements, but often you just don’t know
2. Consider the out of pocket costs involved with online backups. A recent CNET article how unlimited online storage options are quickly being replaced by expensive, limited storage plans. Dropbox.com, for instance, charges $200 a year for 100Gb of online storage (CubeTech offers 100Gb for $99.95). Mozy.com has a cheaper option and offers 125Gb of storage for around $120 a year, but this is still an ongoing cost, and a cost that will rise further as your storage needs increase. But again, CubeTech is cheapest.
3. You may be concerned that your private files are “out there somewhere”. This is a valid concern and you should certainly check out the service you plan to use. There are usually reviews online and I always like to go to the Contact Us page and see where they are and what contact options are available. I believe there are advantages to going with a local or regional provider rather than a more generic backup service for country or world.
4. Will your files be kept secure? Most Cloud Backup Service providers have their servers hosted in locked down secure buildings and physical security is generally not a problem. Electronic security is a different matter and make sure the service offers encryption so that even if your files are compromised they cannot be opened without the right encryption password.
5. Slow – It’s true the first cloud backup will take some time to populate your files to the server. After that though, most Cloud Backup systems are smart enough to only copy changed files so that backup time is considerably shorter.
6. Trust – this is a tough one and you need to do your homework. I recommend using a local provider. Ask your friends and associates. Ask you local techie. Check your local Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce.
The advantages of cloud backup can bee seen and beneficial:
1. Cloud backup is easy. Generally a small client is installed on your computer that lets you select the files you want backed up, and schedules the backup time. Most are intuitive and let you point-and-click for your selections.
2. The beauty of an automated solution is that you can set it up and then effectively forget about it because it all happens in the background. There’s no need to remember to start the backup. As long as your computer is on the backup will occur. The service I use even performs the backup if you have no Internet connection and then uploads the backed up files when the Internet connection is back.
3. Cloud backup requires no extra hardware, no cables or other devices to plug in and clutter up your desktop. It’s as transparent as your Internet connection is.
At no point are we saying that cloud backup isn’t a viable solution for your backup needs. However, when putting you’re businesses information at risk its wise to be informed.
What About CubeTech?
Excellent question; CubeTech offers a cost effective online backup solution that isn’t cloud. Meaning, we have phsyical access to your server and data in case of emergency. Our hard drives are spanned over raid 5 for maximum redundancy AND replicated across multiple sites. This means that CubeTech not only offers the cheapest solution, but also the most resilient.
For some further reading
How Secure is the Cloud?
Carbonite Cloud Backup Data Loss
Carbonite Law Suit Reveals Data Loss
Mozy Scraps Unlimited Cloud Backup Plans
Carbonite Cloud Backup Speed on Free Plans
