Backing up documents on a computer is something that many people do
not consider doing. However, this is something that you should seriously consider,
whether you are running a business or just a personal computer user. While
backing up your own files can take some time, there are online backup services
available to help.
There are a number of benefits to using online storage services. The
first is that the backup is done for you. All you have to do is select the
parts of your computer that you need backing up. This is the perfect option for
those who are not technical minded as well as those who do not have the time to
do everything themselves.
Access Documents Anywhere
Another benefit is the fact that the documents and files can be
accessed anywhere. This means that it is possible to get to them while
travelling to and from work – if you have a long commute and need to work – or
while you are at a friend’s home. As long as you have some type of internet
connection you will be able to get online and see everything.
Others can also access your documents, which is beneficial in a
working environment. There are times that more than one employee will need to
see something that has been backed up and this is possible. You will also be able
to give each employee a different username and password and they will be able
to access everything even when someone else is.
Since the storage is all online, and you only need an internet
connection to be able to access them, it means that more people are able to
work from home. This is beneficial for many companies that have to hire
part-time members of staff to cover those who need to cut hours back to raise
children and save on childcare costs or struggle with profit when employees
cannot get into the building. It is now possible for the employees to do all of
the work from their home.
Fewer Problems With
Natural Disasters
With the storage being online, it means that the copy is located in
another place compared to the original copy. This is extremely useful,
especially when it comes to problems in the home – either a natural disaster,
fire or just accidental flooding. All the spare copies are safe, unlike if the
backup was done on a disk or form of flash storage and kept in the home or
office.
There is also no limit on the amount of files and documents that you
store on the online storage, unlike if you used hard drives and disks. This is
beneficial since it means that less money is spent and everything can be backed
up, instead of having to choose between the most important files or memories –
depending on personal or business needs.
Low Costs for Backup
Finally, you will also be able to benefit from low costs. Buying
numerous flash drives, hard drives and CDs or DVDs costs a lot of money.
However, online backup services offer low and competitive prices, especially
when it comes to home users. The cost is usually based on the amount of space
you require so businesses will usually have higher prices to pay because they
will have more documents. However, this cost will still usually work out less
than buying lots of media for your own backups.
Others Own the Servers
However, there are some downsides to the storage, which needs to be
taken into consideration. First of all, the backup is taken out of your own
hands. Someone else will own the servers that you use and will run the company.
This will mean that you lose the control of when updates occur and how quickly
problems are fixed, which could mean a loss of data or just a loss of business.
You will also need to remember that businesses sometime close down.
This can happen to your storage service, which leads to other problems. First
of all, if the business is not bought out, you will need to start searching for
somewhere else to backup everything that you have on your computer. If the
company does get bought out, there are chances that you will lose any
privileges that you have or any discounts that you have gained for loyalty. You
will be starting with a new company and they do not need to honor anything from
your previous company.
Take Time to Backup
Everything
It will take some time to backup everything that you have and for
businesses this can take a day or two. It all depends on the size that you need
stored and the speed of the internet connection and service. This will often
mean more costs incurred, such as having one of the employees remain in work while
the backup is completed and running your electricity when you would not
usually.
Possibility of the
Information Being Hacked
Sensitive information is a problem when online. While the storage
systems are safe, there are times that hackers will get in or leaks are made
from the company. If you store sensitive information on them, you risk that
getting out into the open. This is especially problematic for medical or legal
businesses and paperwork, or other confidential information such as bank and
credit card details.
Accessing the information is not always possible. There are times
that there will be a problem for the service’s servers and other times when an
internet connection will not be possible. This is a disadvantage for those who
are working from home or while travelling. It leads to businesses losing profit
since employees are unable to work.
Need a Good Internet
Connection
The type of internet connection that you have is also a problem. Not
everyone will have high speed broadband and that is definitely not something
you will get with Wi-Fi while travelling. High speed connections are required
to be able to access the documents easily and make updates on them. Again, this
will lead to businesses losing profit since employees are unable to work at
their full potential.
You will need to look around at the different types of backup
services available because there are so many different types. Some will offer
managed backup services, which will offer more monitoring and assistance for an
extra cost. This is beneficial for business owners that have very little time
on their hands. However, unmanaged hosting is often better for home users, who
want to store their information without incurring too much of a cost.
Like anything, you also need to shop around to find online backup
services that can be relied on. You will need to check other’s reviews and find
out what is good and bad. This will help you get the best value for your money.
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