Cloud backup has become the favoured data backup solution for most businesses, but why? These days, protecting business data is no longer an option. It’s a non-negotiable necessity. In the past, local backups on external drives or physical tapes offered a sense of security. However, today, cloud backups have emerged as the clear frontrunner for data protection and retention, and for good reason.

Traditional Backup Methods: A Glimpse into the Past

Before cloud solutions stormed the data protection scene, businesses relied on various local and traditional backup methods. While these methods offered some level of protection, they fell short in meeting the demands of the modern digital landscape. Here’s a look at some common examples of traditional backup methods:

External Hard Drives: Portable storage devices capable of storing large amounts of data.

Magnetic Tapes: Long-standing storage medium offering high capacity and long-term data archiving.

Network Attached Storage (NAS): Dedicated storage devices connected to a network, allowing multiple users to access data centrally.

Optical Discs (CDs, DVD, Blu-rays): Optical media offering write-once or rewritable capabilities for data storage.

Local Backup Software: Software solutions used for scheduling and automating backups to local storage devices.

It’s important to remember that while these methods served their purpose in the past, they often struggle to keep pace with the demands of modern businesses. Data growth, cyber threats, and the need for reliable disaster recovery capabilities make cloud backups the preferred choice for safeguarding your valuable information in today’s digital world.

We recently ran a poll on LinkedIn, and the results speak volumes – 87% agree that traditional backup methods are becoming obsolete. Majority of our following are IT decision makers, and this shows a clear direction of where the business world is heading with regards data backups.

See the LinkedIn Post here.

This shift from physical to cloud-based solutions begs the question: why have cloud backups taken over? As an IT decision maker or business owner, understanding the driving forces behind this trend is crucial for evaluating your own data protection strategy. Let’s delve into the key factors propelling businesses towards the cloud for backups:

1. Accessibility & Scalability:

Physical storage limitations are a thing of the past. Cloud backups offer virtually limitless capacity, scaling effortlessly to accommodate your growing data needs. No more scrambling for new hard drives or worrying about running out of space. You’re only ever a click away from your data, accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. This ease of access empowers remote workforces and ensures business continuity even during physical disruptions.

2. High Availability:

Local backups are susceptible to the same physical threats as your primary devices. Fire, floods, or hardware failures can wipe out both your data and its copies. Cloud backups, however, store your data geographically dispersed, across redundant data centres. This ensures high availability, even in the face of localised disasters. Restoring your data becomes a seamless process, minimising downtime and potential revenue loss.

3. Easy, Automatic Backups:

Gone are the days of manual backups, a tedious and error-prone practice. Cloud-based solutions automate the entire backup process, creating regular snapshots of your data without human intervention. This eliminates the risk of missed backups and ensures your data is always protected, even if IT resources are stretched thin.

4. Stronger Security & Compliance:

Data breaches are an ever-present concern. Cloud providers invest heavily in cutting-edge security measures, including encryption, access controls, and intrusion detection systems. This multi-layered approach goes far beyond what most businesses can implement on their own, offering superior protection against unauthorised access and malicious attacks. Additionally, cloud backups often adhere to stringent compliance regulations, simplifying your efforts to meet industry standards.

5. Cost-Effectiveness and Predictable Budgeting:

Maintaining hardware infrastructure for local backups can be expensive, requiring investment in equipment, personnel, and ongoing maintenance. Cloud backups operate on a pay-as-you-go model, eliminating upfront costs and offering predictable monthly expenses. You only pay for the storage you use, making it a scalable and cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes.

Watch the case study below to see how StoreIT (cloud backup) has helped Sean Lasarow.

The Future of Data Protection is in the Cloud:

The advantages of cloud backups are undeniable, leading them to become the preferred choice for IT decision makers worldwide. By offering accessibility, scalability, disaster recovery, security, compliance, and cost-effectiveness, cloud backups provide a comprehensive and future-proof solution for data protection.

While the benefits of cloud backups are clear, choosing the right provider is crucial. Look for a reputable provider with a proven track record, robust security features, and scalable solutions that align with your data needs and budget.