Offsite Backup Services: Is Cloud Computing Enough?

Posted on September 18th, 2011 by Entertainment Buddha | Filed under Gadgets/Tech | Comments (1)

Everyone is going Cloud. Our business operations are often based on client-server architecture and applications. There are some serious issues related to Cloud computing you should understand. Cloud computing is essentially an extension of the client-server model to include every area of our computing needs. Off site backups are important, but is Cloud computing enough for your offsite backup service? Whether you are an individual, or a business owner, Cloud computing is on the way. In actual fact, it is already here, we are just being sold on it in another way. This article takes a look at some of the serious issues you need to think about.

Client-Server vs. Cloud: Many of us in business understand what client-server computing is. Cloud computing is essentially the same, except for one major component. Cloud computing is being sold to us by the large corporations so they can take control of our whole computing needs. Apple wants us to use their iCloud service, so we will store everything with them. This is something you should consider. Do you really want to dedicate all of your Cloud computing to a single entity?

Cloud Data Deletion: Have you ever thought about accidental data deletion on your own Cloud, or Cloud computing provided services? Have you thought about data that appears to be deleted on your provided services? You can manage your own storage and physical solutions if you are running your own servers, and you can have other safe storage solutions with managed servers. The only way I would manage my data storage with managed services would to be physically present at my managed server provider, when my other storage provider was present to copy data.

Offsite Backup: If you don’t have offsite backup, outside of your Cloud-based services (or your client-server), you are putting yourself in real danger. Dedicated and managed servers should still mean you look for further storage solutions. Tape management and other traditional storage, physically separated from your servers are essential to keeping your information safe. Networked storage still puts your data at risk. If you are using more traditional means, your storage devices are not on a network. If the CIA can be hacked, there is little doubt, any company or network is always at risk.

Think Local: If you are going to use a Cloud system, how will you know where your information is actually stored? This is the case with everything you have on Google’s Gmail, for example. We are already using their Cloud-based services, and we have no idea where our information is actually stored. This is a risk we are taking because we believe in the security and reputation of Google. Is this enough when we are considering sensitive information storage for a long time? You should talk to a local IT services company. If you are in Brisbane Australia, think IT services Brisbane, for example. You need to make sure you have a local and physical way to store your data. If you don’t have a quality computer repairs and computer support company, you can rely on, it is certainly time to think about getting one.

Storing your data safely, and locally is extremely important. Having your data stored off a network is always the safest option. Are you ready to commit to a global provider that does not tell you exactly where all your information is stored?

EntBuddha “Making you a better geek, one post at a time!”