By A global forecast on the data and recovery market published by PRNewswire in December 2017 revealed that the market would grow to $11.59 billion by 2022. Another market share analysis Gartner conducted in August 2017 also showed that NAKIVO Office 365 backup and other backup and recovery solutions grew from 5.5 percent in 2015 to 7.1 % in 2017. These figures show us that the market is there for data backup.
Let’s get a deeper look at new media backup technologies. Here you’ll find three leading types of data backup and you will learn how to choose the right one for your business.
What Is Data Backup?
In a nutshell, data backup is the process of copying files to preserve them during and after a catastrophe.
The Main Types of Backup Media
We have different tools for conducting data backup and we can categorize them into three main groups.
On-premise
These technologies are built specifically to back up data for a specific department or a whole business. They use a complex configuration network and proper credentials. The devices used in this process remain in the business premise specifically for that purpose and consume company resources such as space, cooling, and power. However, they usually work faster than other backup technologies. Moreover, they facilitate heavy-duty input and output requirements.
Cloud
The cloud is another backup option available to businesses and other organizations. This technology operates the same way as the on-premise one does. However, it differs in that you need to back your data over the internet and on someone else’s datacenter.
Some of its advantages are cost-effectiveness and scalability. Therefore, you only pay for what you need at a time and scale up as your needs grow. You can also scale down if your backup needs reduce. Also, this method allows you to scale out of a storage plan if you no longer need it free of charge.
Hybrid
This type of technology benefits users in many ways. For example, it lets you enjoy the best of both worlds—on-site and cloud—simultaneously. If you love certain features or capabilities inherent in both options, you can use them conveniently. Also, it lets you avoid the effects of the weaknesses inherent in one technology by using another technology’s strengths to discount it. Using it is like killing two birds with one stone.
Also, combining it allows you to reduce latency on an on-site system while using the cloud to back up your data more often. Together, you can also achieve cost savings. Therefore, you need to assess your needs compared to what the two technologies offer before opting for a hybrid combination.
Choosing the Right Backup Technology
So, how can you choose the right technology under any of the three options above? This closing section shows you how to do it correctly.
- Determine your usage goals and needs
Start by determining your usage needs and goals. If you need to achieve higher uptime and lower downtime, ensure you opt for a solution that offers that. Likewise, if you wish to recover your data 24/7, then it’s also appropriate to ensure the solution you choose meets that need.
- Make sure it’s scalable
Data backup needs change with time. They can either increase or decrease depending on various prevailing circumstances. Therefore, you have to choose the solution for your business based on its scalability. This feature ensures that a given plan doesn’t tie your money to storage space you don’t need.
- Mind your budget
You also have to select your product based on your current and long-term budget. You have to factor in other realities, such as training and maintenance. This way, you will enjoy long-term value for your money.
- Vendor support
Don’t forget that poor customer support can also take the value out of a good product. Therefore, consider the vendor’s customer support after signing up for their offers.
- End-to-end protection
This last consideration will secure your data so that hackers don’t access it. Don’t buy a product if it doesn’t guarantee full security.
The market has different data backup technologies that you can exploit to protect your valuable information. We believe the insights we shared and the tips on how to choose the best solution for your business will help you achieve your data protection objectives.
