Why cloud backup is important?
Cloud backup is needed to keep files and data which we can lose in case of a system failure, outage, or natural disaster. Cloud backup copies and stores your server’s files to a server in a different physical location. You can lose your files or they can be destroyed in case of a hardware or human malfunction, virus attacks, or if your computer gets destroyed by any natural disaster.
So you should back up your data regularly on a server to make your you don’t lose it. Local storage is not an efficient storage technique compared to cloud storage. Cloud backup is a smart choice for businesses to have their data backed up.
There are a lot of cloud backup solutions for businesses but we will discuss the best cloud backup services for small businesses.
Why should you choose to cloud backup services?
- To achieve disaster recovery with secure cloud backup
- Count on reliable, guaranteed data recovery
- You can minimize the risk and cost caused by downtime.
- Cloud backup relies on a well-managed cloud which is more secure than your data center.
- It is easy to set up and use, you can use it without any training required
What should you consider while choosing a cloud backup service?
1. Storage: You should consider all the factors before deciding the amount of storage you need for your business to stay within your budget.
2. Scalability: Either choose bigger storage than you need, in advance or choose a service that provides that offers scalability and agility in storage.
3. Availability: The availability of your data every time depends on the tier of the service. Higher tiers offer more uptime and features like backups of backups and advanced equipment to protect data.
4. Disaster recovery
Mishappeniings such as cyberattacks and natural disasters can shut down servers and make your data inaccessible. The cloud service should provide an effective recovery plan.
5. Backup frequency: In businesses, you get new information daily to store and you need to update information all day so you should check how much time it takes to update data on the cloud backup. Many services offer different backup frequencies while some more premium services let you set your schedules.
6. Security
You can look for at least 256-bit encryption in storage and data transmission protected by Secure Socket Layer (SSL).
7. Compliance
If you deal with the personal information of the customer or some sensitive data, the provider should also be compliant with specific industry regulations.
8. Pricing
You should decide according to your budget after choosing the required storage and features.
9. Terms and Conditions
Make sure to completely understand the terms of service to avoid any unknown problems.
10. Support
Make sure the backup service gives you support if something goes wrong or you need help regarding something.
Best cloud backup services for small businesses
1. Crashplan
CrashPlan cloud backup service caters exclusively to small businesses. It comes with a bunch of features and great speed, as well as excellent security and privacy. It includes hybrid, server, and external drive backup, as well as unlimited version uploading and extensive controls.
Features :
- It has an easy and simple interface.
- Has an unlimited storage option.
- You can set a scheduled backup frequency.
- You can upload any size of data without upgrading your subscription.
- Crashplan has a dedicated customer support team.
- Support desktop app or browser to restore backup files.
- 30 days free trial.
- It supports operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and MAC OS.
- High-speed backup process.
2. Acronis Cyber Backup
Acronis Cyber Backup supports a wide of platforms, such as VMware suites, and older operating systems, such as Windows XP and Vista. It has a detailed management console where you can set up many users and can organize them into groups.
Features :
- Provides strong security on data
- You get a detailed report on your account
- Store backup locally and remotely
- Unlimited storage
- Unlimited users
- Great security & privacy
- Flexible server locations
3. IDrive Business
It supports many platforms and devices including NAS servers and mobile devices. Policies and permissions can be decided easily.
Features :
- Unlimited users
- Managing users is easy
- Lots of features
- Unlimited devices
- You can schedule the backups
- Supports most device & backup types
4. Zoolz Business ( Now Big Mind )
Zoolz offers a sharing system that lets you quickly and easily share access to your data with third parties. You can backup data from external drives, servers, desktops, and Network Attached Storage devices.
Features :
- Good speed
- Easy to use
- Easy access to data
- Great security & privacy
- Uses AWS Servers
- Backups from multiple devices are supported.
5. Backblaze for Business
It tops the list of unlimited backups and provides a quick and easy way to backup everything on your device. Backblaze is cheap as it costs only $6 per month per device.
Features :
- Unlimited storage
- No limits on storage capacity
- Easy to use
- Cheap
- Decent speed