Entrepreneurs regularly create a backup for all the data they generate, for they are well aware of the fact that the availability of data determines their business survival. However, creating a backup for the generated data is not a simple process. It requires much planning and effort. Every step involves careful deliberation. To begin with entrepreneurs face the dilemma of selecting the right backup device. Plenty of back up storage devices are available, and making the right choice often proves difficult. However, the two methods that are most popular are the online remote data backup system and creating a backup using the magnetic tapes as a storage device.
Online Remote Data Backup
The remote data backup service providing company provides a software program which a user has to install on the computer. This program compresses and encrypts and automatically transfers the data from the client's computer to the remote storage location. The user can retrieve this data as and when the need arises.
The other method that is also quite popular and traditionally in use is the backup created on magnetic tapes.
Magnetic Tapes
Creating a backup on magnetic tapes is the oldest method in use. Data is written and stored on the loop of celluloid like material found inside the plastic casing. This method has been popularly in use since long while the remote data back up is a comparatively newer method that is gaining rapid popularity. Both these storage devices are contrasted here to enable the user get a clear understanding of either storage method and make a proper choice.
A Contrast between These Two Backup Storage Methods
Cost Factor
Using the magnetic tapes as a data backup storage device involves investment of time and money. Much resource is required to create a backup, maintain it and check it workability. Magnetic tapes are cheaper devices compared to other storage media. However, per unit cost of data stored is comparatively cheaper if it is stored online. Remote backup data storage is hassle free. Once the software is installed the backup takes place automatically. Neither hardware nor software needs to be purchased and there is no necessity for any maintenance work.
Errors
Data creation on magnetic tapes is a manual job. Discipline is necessary to prevent procrastination. Further the magnetic tapes have to be rotated and catalogued regularly. Employees tend to postpone such jobs. Subsequently, when the real need for the stored data occurs, the backup can hardly be relied on.
Online data backup effectively removes this defect. The back up process is automated with no human intervention. Another fact worth mentioning is that human work is error prone. Remote offsite data backup is absolutely devoid of errors.
Time Factor
Magnetic tapes provide for sequential access of data, consequently data retrieval takes time. To retrieve a particular aspect of the data the entire length of the tape has to be run.
The fully automated online remote back up provides for quick retrieval of data. Quicker recovery rates mean lesser downtime and less loss of productivity.
Security
The software running on the computer automatically compresses and encrypts the received data. This method effectively prevents data theft. Magnetic tapes are well stored but, data theft is always a possibility by employees holding malicious intentions.
Convenience
An employee on the move can access data from the offsite remote location anytime and anywhere from the world. Data can be transferred to co workers and the freshly generated data can be saved again. This convenience can hardly be compared to the data access methods of the magnetic tape.
Storage Area
Magnetic tapes have to be carefully stored away from direct sunlight, humidity and magnetic fields. These physical devices are also subject to wear and tear. If they are placed onsite, they are exposed to all the potential dangers from natural calamities that might afflict the other onsite computers. Offsite placement of the storage device necessitates extra time in data recovery.
The entrepreneur who uses the remote data backup storage method hardly thinks about such storage problems.
Magnetic tapes have a limited a life span and limited storage facility. Data generated by a business enterprise increases every annum. Remote online data back up provides for unlimited storage facility.
Remote data backup is being much preferred by many SMEs for the numerous benefits on offer.
Most businesses have laws and regulations for how long specific data must be stored, but still many companies don't have a tape drive, tape libraries, secondary storage or any plan for archiving data. Even if your industry doesn't have specific requirements, keeping a well documented business information library is a safe bet. Recently, the residential building company Urban Renaissance Agency realized that it had lost archived building plan data for 555 (31%) of its condos due to ?insufficient storage measures.?
The mistake not only made the news, but will cost the company millions to recover. Data storage tends to be one of those problems that many individuals and businesses don't act on until a loss happens. Most people agree that backing up data is important, but feel the process will be too difficult and the issue stays below the radar until a crisis occurs. On the contrary, it's surprisingly simple to back up, store, and recover data using a tape backup drive and magnetic tape libraries to build a foolproof information archive system.
A tape drive is a very reliable method of recording and archiving data. Using a magnetic tape cartridge, the tape drive scans all of your computer's files and copies them onto the tape. Businesses might choose to backup files daily, weekly, or monthly. The process can be set up to be manually run or to automatically update at a certain time of the day.
The most important functionality of a tape library is that you have a record of ?snapshots? as data appeared at regular intervals throughout history. This means if a customer has a dispute over a contract or a policy from last year, you can pull a tape from your tape library and find the piece of data exactly as it looked one year ago.
Another benefit to storing your data on tape is that cartridges can be stored off site and/or in fire and flood proof containers. More often than not, secondary storage is usually found in the same building as the original data, and often in the same location as the server. With a tape backup drive, once the tape is made the tape cartridge can then be stored anywhere. Because the tapes are there for reference and not part of daily use, they can easily be locked away and stored in disaster and theft resistant safes.
Tape drives come with a variety of options including file cataloging features; a comparison feature that will check the data on the drive against a current document, and are available in a variety of speeds. The tapes you'll use to build your tape libraries will vary as well. It's recommended to discuss your options with a data storage specialist who can help you build a system around your budget and your unique business needs.
Both James Wallis & Christine Harrell are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
James Wallis has sinced written about articles on various topics from computers and the internet, Data Recovery and Infidelity. james Walsh is a freelance writer and copy editor. If you are concerned about data loss and would like more information on see http://www.fields-. James Wallis's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.
Christine Harrell has sinced written about articles on various topics from Mortgage, Careers and Job Hunting and Personal Desktop. Author is a writer for Sunstar Company which specializes in and back up. For additional information you can visit. Christine Harrell's top article generates over 550000 views. to your Favourites.