Off-site backup is stored at a location different from the location of your computer. Keeping your backups offsite is the safest form of back up, however the downside is the speed of transfer when you wish to upload or download the data. There are two types of off-site backups.
Networked
One option of an network backup is installing it in its own networked enclosure. The other option is to install the drive in a networked computer and share the drive on the network for others to access. This has both advantages and disadvantages. Advantages are that more people can access it, but with that, the risk of file corruption increases. Therefore, you should be careful as to whom you grant the access privileges.
Internet Service
You can upload your data to remote servers run by the backup service. Again, this has both, advantages and disadvantages.
Internet backup - Advantages
- Accessible from anywhere.
- Durability. Since the backup provider most likely backs up their own systems, you are benefiting by having a multiple backup of your data.
- Off-site. If something catastrophic happens to the place of your business, your data will remain unaffected.
Internet backup - Disadvantages
- Cost. You’ll be billed either monthly, quarterly or yearly. It’s more expensive than buying actually machine for back up.
- Storage space limitation.
- Slow transfer speed. Most of the time, you are limited by the speed of your internet connection on the upload and download.
- Security. If your backup provider has a breach of security, your data may be exposed. Therefore, it’s best if you encrypt your data prior to backup.
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