What is Cloud Data Backup?

What is Cloud Backup?

Regular backups are a vital part of any organization’s operating procedures. Even the USGS has a webpage dedicated to the importance of data backups and best practices. But many question why it’s so important to back up data. Having a backup helps keep files, data, and applications available in the event of equipment failure, service outages, natural disasters, or human error. These types of regular backups are essential for individuals and businesses, but a method of data backup is taking the world by storm. Enter cloud-based backup services. A cloud-based data backup service takes data and apps stored on a business’s server and holds them on a remote server by creating a copy of files. These services create a user-friendly and cost-effective method of keeping data safe. Cloud backup services also provide users enterprise encryption, reliable recovery methods, and affordable expansion options — everything Summit Hosting offers, and then some! Explore the benefits of cloud data backup and the various types of methods, from private service providers to public options. You can even discover how to create a hybrid backup method to craft a solution that works best for you! 

What are the Benefits of Cloud Backup?

Cloud-based services are changing the fundamental ways businesses interact with technology. Software as a Service (SaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and Desktop as a Service (DaaS) is helping to improve internal retention while creating a platform for users to interact with vital company data and mission-critical applications. In that vein, cloud data backups are changing how businesses store data and recover from disasters. The best cloud backup services safeguard critical data and applications off-site, allowing for rapid response during an event. Plus, with some other benefits, it’s easy to see why the technology is gaining popularity.   

• Improved security – Security can be expensive, and the layers needed for complete protection can add up quickly. A service provider like Summit Hosting provides high-level security services, including physical security, multi-factor authentication, encryptions, and VPNs.
• Immediate Data recovery – A cloud solution gives users access to backup data quickly, allowing remote access to critical files, procedures, or applications.  
• Disaster recovery – Disasters happen, but with cloud services, you can restore from any incremental backup. Summit Hosting engages in nightly backups with copies stored for 15 days or longer, so you don’t have to worry about data loss.  
• Scalable storage – Cloud-based services are perfect for expansion. Many providers offer services that grow with your business and have options for on-demand bandwidth and storage increases. 
• Cost-efficiency – Traditional data centers provide complete control, but the upfront investment and ongoing maintenance costs can be astronomical. Instead, cloud-based solutions offer high-quality equipment and IT services without massive upfront costs. 
• Total automation – Backups, security analysis, reporting, and workflows all have one thing in common — they’re begging for automation. Cloud-based providers can help your organization automate the backup and restoration process, saving your IT teams valuable time.

  In fact, Summit Hosting provides all these benefits and more, like software hosting for mission-critical apps, including QuickBooks Enterprise! Plus, you get 24/7 human support agents, worry-free 99% uptime, and a generous referral program! Get started with Summit Hosting today and experience the best cloud backup service! 

Types of Cloud Backup Services

You have many options when it comes to how you back up data. Depending on your organization’s workloads, data sensitivity requirements, and budget, various configurations will suit your needs better than others. However, it’s essential to know that each solution has pros and cons, and security will always be a significant factor in choosing a service. 

Public Storage

On one end of the cloud storage spectrum, you have public storage options. Organizations use multi-tenant storage environments to back up, store, and access their least sensitive data. Public cloud services act as global data centers where users access data and apps over the web, regardless of the operating system. Public storage services are an attractive option because they are a low-cost option with unlimited storage scalability. However, public cloud solutions offer the lowest levels of data security and safety, forcing users to implement additional security protocols that cost extra and are harder to execute seamlessly. Some popular public storage providers include Amazon’s AWS, Microsoft Azure and Onedrive, and Google cloud services, like Dropbox and Google Drive. The cloud service providers own, operate, and maintain these services, so users are at the mercy of these organizations. 

Private Service Provider

Private cloud service providers are on the opposite end of the cloud data backup spectrum. Private service providers are cloud environments that only one organization uses and provide total control, ultimate customization, and top-rated security. Because of the single-tenant architecture, data transfers and backup processes happen via an intranet rather than over a web browser. Private cloud providers, like Summit Hosting, manage data protection, backup software, and storage in off-site facilities where mission-critical software apps and highly-sensitive corporate information are safe from equipment failure, power or internet outages, and natural disasters. But data protection of that caliber carries a pricing that matches and is the most expensive cloud option. On-premise data backup solutions are also popular because of the customization options. With these solutions, organizations choose operating systems like Windows, Linux, or iOS, storage solutions like external hard drives or solid-state drives, virtual machines, encryption keys, and backup systems. However, these are prohibitively expensive for most small businesses.

Hybrid Storage System

In between public and private cloud backup solutions is the hybrid method. A hybrid cloud backup plan sees the most critical data storage handled by a private cloud storage service while less sensitive data goes to public backup providers, Like BackBlaze or Carbonite. The idea is to optimize your business by taking the best of both worlds while maintaining secure file sharing between the backup systems. Although a hybrid system maximizes efficiency, data transfers pose some risks from cyber attacks like viruses, malware, or ransomware. You’ll need to implement security measures, such as VPNs, ransomware protection, and antivirus software, to protect yourself. Despite the risks, a hybrid storage and cloud backup solution is increasingly popular because businesses can enjoy the cost-effective benefits of online backup services while reducing downtime with private data storage and mission-critical hosting. 

Protect Your Data with Summit Hosting

Data backup is vital in keeping accurate, up-to-date records of your business. Failure to meet this requirement can result in lost business, damaged client trust, or even government intervention and legal action. Where many businesses once relied on on-site data backup solutions, cloud-based services make the process easier and more affordable than a traditional method. Companies even have choices regarding how they manage their cloud data backup plans, with public, private, and hybrid options covering all possibilities. The benefits are clear, and the technology is only getting better. Now is the time to experience what an expert cloud provider can do for your business. Now is the time to partner with Summit Hosting. Summit Hosting’s expert cloud services can help you with your data backup plans, software hosting, or other IT requirements. Give us a call today to discover how we can help!