What is Remote Backup?

Computer systems with highly valuable information are in real danger without remote backup. All critical computer data should be backed up regularly. Remote backup, the process of storing critical data in a separate place, is the best way to protect vital data against an emergency.

As everyone who has worked with computers is aware, computers are not completely reliable. Data can be lost, computers can crash, and files can be accidentally deleted. Using a remote backup plan helps safeguard your important files. Remote backup can be accomplished in a number of ways, and it does not have to be difficult or expensive.

A system of remote backup in its most basic form is backing up critical data and storing it outside of the computer. Backing up the files on your computer is important, but it does not provide the safety of remote backup. If your computer is infected with a very nasty virus, the hard drive malfunctions, or heaven forbid, your office catches fire, all files saved only on the computer could be lost.

One basic way to perform a remote backup is to copy files to another computer on your network. This way, if one computer stops working, the data is still safe on a second computer. This form of remote backup does not protect against natural disasters or theft, since both computers are in the same location. However, it protects the data from a single computer failing.

A more secure method of remote backup is saving files to a removable source. Files can be burned to CD or DVD, or saved to a removable hard drive or USB drive. The remote backup device can then be stored in a separate location. In the case of very sensitive or valuable files, a safety deposit box can provide excellent secure remote storage at a reasonable price.

The downside of these types of remote backup is the time and effort involved. Someone must make copies of all critical files. If the person responsible forgets, or misses files, or runs out of CDs, the backup does not take place. The remote backup device might also be misplaced, or a trip to the bank may be inconvenient.

For companies or individuals who need secure, easy remote storage, there are companies who specialize in serving remote storage needs. These companies have secure Internet connections and dedicated servers that can automatically download and protect your important files. Some companies offer technical support to help you replace lost or corrupted files, most guarantee to be up and running nearly 100% of the time, and some even have remote storage of their own, saving your files in two or more different physical locations.

We're all familiar with the importance of saving often, and most of us try to remember to back up our important files. For the really vital data, remote backup is the best way to secure your files against all manner of problems and disasters. If any of your data makes you say, "I would be unable to run my business if this were lost," it deserves remote backup.