Data Backup and Restoration Tips for Small Businesses

In today’s data-driven times, one of the major reasons for small businesses to collapse is data loss. In fact, any enterprise will grind to a halt without smooth and consistent data availability.

Despite knowing this, most small company owners let their data safety and backup plans linger on their to-do lists for unusually long. It is exactly in this gap that downtime and outages hamper productivity and overall turnover.

So, it is important that you implement a foolproof data backup strategy before it’s too late.

The following tips will become your practical guidelines as you head out.

Map All Your Backup Needs

Generally, data backup needs vary from business to business. Spend some time assessing your unique backup needs, for your ignorance will make it complicated, if not completely unfeasible, to decide on data backup methods.

Issues such as data type, size of files and frequently used files can create problems while backing up data. Proceed strategically and have patience if it the assessment process takes time.  

Know Where Your Business Data Is Kept

You can expect to protect your data unless you know where it is, and in what form. Talk to your IT support company and try to learn how much data and information you have. Ask them if your data is kept on a backup server or simply in corporate offices. You can also take advice on which new data safety and backup measures can be more helpful.

Choose the Right Data Backup System

Ways to backup important data are numerous, but it remains vital to consult a professional having years of industry experience. Generally, the best way to protect data is using multiple backup methods. This prevents data loss even if one of them fails completely.

The best options to opt for are:

1. Online Backup: Data backup through cloud is the most cost-effective option, regardless of how big or small your business is. Choose a reliable provider of online backup services, preferably the one that uses multiple backup locations in order to keep crucial data completely secure.

2. Server Backup: Small businesses that have servers to run all business activities and tasks should opt for sever backup. Most cloud storage companies offer server backup services to prevent data loss in events of system failure.

2. Disc Backup: You can use CDs and DVDs to backup all your important data and store it in a safe, offsite location later on. Another way is to use an external storage device like a USB flash device or hard drive. Disk imaging is an equally effective method of backing up data or a whole PC operating system.