CLOUD BACKUP RECOVERY

If you have ever experienced a computer failure, then you know the sinking feeling that accompanies the loss of files and data. That “blue screen of death” is never a welcome sight when you boot up your computer, especially if you have not taken the time to back up your files remotely.

The obvious solution is to back everything up off-site. But when business gets busy, you might focus your attention elsewhere and fail to tend to the little details, such as digital file backup.

That’s why it makes sense to invest the time into finding good backup cloud services. From financial records and customer data to family photos and personal files, your information will get the protection it needs from system failure, natural disasters, theft and user error if you store it in the cloud.

If you are shopping around for an online backup service, here are some important considerations:

• Features that make your life easier. You want the backup process to be intuitive, quick, easy and automated — so that just about anyone in your company can walk through the backup process even without a lot of computer experience. Even better would be the ability to schedule automatic backups, update files that have been changed since the last backup, archiving of older file versions and backups across multiple computers. You’ll also want remote access to your account from any computer with an Internet connection, especially if you travel frequently or work remotely, or if your primary computer goes on the fritz.

• Enhanced security. There are inherent security risks with cloud computing since your information is in the cloud where hackers potentially could find it. Your provider should have all the latest advanced security and encryption measures, password protections and redundant storage methods in place to prevent an attack — or to deal with one quickly if an attack ensues.

• Top-notch support services. Although the backup process should be easy, there will be times when someone on your staff has questions. Helpful, friendly support personnel will get questions answered quickly via email, telephone and/or live chat.

Although there are important considerations when deciding how to back up your data, the good news is that there are many reliable backup cloud services to take the burden off your IT staff. Protect your data now before a computer failure or attack happens, and you’ll keep your irreplaceable data safe from harm.