Organizations use popular backup software programs to make copies of important files, databases, or the contents of entire computers. These copies are kept separately for reference, or to be used as backups in the event of a cyberattack or unfortunate event that corrupts an organization's data.
Companies looking to back up their data should follow the 3-2-1 Rule, which says that a company should always maintain three copies of its data, with copies kept in two different types of storage, and at least one copy kept offsite.
Backing up data on hard drives used to be the default approach, and sticking to the 3-2-1 Rule was tedious with this approach. For companies that continue to rely on their own physical storage, a literal warehouse is required to secure hard drives and other storage media.
The emergence of cloud technology has significantly simplified the situation. A company could store one backup copy of all its data in on-premise servers and store two other copies of this data in the cloud using a third-party provider. Many providers make it easier for their clients by offering them the opportunity to store their critical information at multiple sites.
COVID Pushes Backup Software into the Cloud
As with just about everything else, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the game when it comes to how organizations back up their data. Some companies used on-premise storage to back up their systems. However, with the pandemic forcing many office workers into a remote work situation, the old model of on-premise storage suddenly became cumbersome and inefficient. Both office workers and IT staff literally left the building during the strictest COVID-19 lockdowns.
Companies that were using cloud-based backup software were well-positioned to handle the switch to remote-first working. Meanwhile, many businesses that were not using a cloud-based strategy were compelled to adopt one.
Backup Software Considerations
The backing up and storage of critical company data sounds fairly straightforward, but there are a number of important considerations.
In order to optimize compliance with a backup regimen, the system should be as simple and non-intrusive as possible. If general office workers are expected to regularly back up data using a complex system, the likelihood of their compliance will be low.
Most popular backup software includes automated functions that shield office workers from any heavy lifting. For these workers, the most popular backup software simply looks like additional network drives and a few basic tools.
The management of backup software is typically handled by IT staff, and a good backup solution also makes the process simple for these employees. IT staff should only need a cursory level of training on tools and maintenance to properly manage a backup system.
For organizations looking to use popular backup software, another major consideration is the diversity of devices that employees use to do their job. A good backup solution should be able to handle data from Apple computers, Microsoft Windows PCs, Linux machines, and Microsoft Windows Servers.
Of course, mobile devices have become an important part of any office environment, and backup software must be able to handle data from all the devices being used. In addition to handling data from Android and iOS devices, backup software should also be able to handle data from other popular devices, such as point of sale (POS) machines.
Popular backup software typically comes with a range of tools, and the tools provided should match the company's size and needs. Some popular backup software tools are used to handle security concerns, shifting bandwidth conditions, and changing data retention regulations.
Unlike data kept in a secure archive, data that is simply backed up should be easily accessible. Third-party providers typically offer data storage in fast-access sites, such as a data center located close to the client's office or an on-premise server that functions as a go-between for longer-term backups. These fast-access sites are configured to keep the most essential data as close as possible to a company's local network.
Naturally, the more services a company uses, the more a provider will charge them. Hence, one of the biggest considerations for using popular backup software is the overall cost associated with the services needed.
What to Look Out For
The switch to remote first and hybrid working has triggered massive demand for cloud-based backup software. As a result, competition in this space has become intense and many companies are directly targeting the competition in their marketing campaigns. This makes comparing different cloud providers confusing and difficult.
Therefore, companies looking to add popular backup software should conduct thorough research and carefully evaluate each platform to determine which one best matches their needs and concerns.
How MirrorWeb Can Help
At MirrorWeb, we provide a number of effective data backup solutions for high-profile clients. If your company is currently looking for backup software, please contact us today.
