Offsite Data Backup is Required
The need to backup data to an offsite location is undeniable. Ransomware and other cyber attacks are increasing dramatically. Creating timely backups that can be restored quickly is one of the only ways to minimize the potentially devastating effects of a data breach. These backups must be made frequently and they should be validated to be error free so restoral will be successful if required.
Public Cloud Data Backup
AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud all offer a variety of Public Cloud data backup solutions. There are many other cloud service providers that market data backup services too. In general, cloud data backup services can be provisioned quickly and for low initial expense. You can easily change the amount of storage you have and can configure secondary and tertiary backups with a few keystrokes. You can even select the data center region where you want to store your backups. In addition, long term contracts are not required. For these reasons, Public Cloud Data Backup is growing in popularity.
So What’s Wrong With Public Cloud Data Backup?
- Security is Suspect
There are three concerns with backing up data to the Public Cloud. The first and most important concern has to do with security. Public Cloud service providers operate based on a “Shared Responsibility Model”. The Cloud provider is responsible for the security of its infrastructure but not for the workloads that run on its resources. This shared responsibility model can lead to confusion and ultimately can create security gaps that can be exploited. Misconfigured cloud data storage is frequently the way criminals compromise data backups. For example, a recent survey of over 600 U.S. companies found that 78% reported they had accidentally exposed sensitive data stored in the cloud in the past year.
Public Cloud, because it is growing so quickly, has become a primary target for cyber crooks. The number of breaches of Public Cloud data backups has increased dramatically in the past few years.
- Technical Support
Public Cloud services do not include ongoing technical support. Online documentation and training videos are available but technical support must be provided by an organization’s own team or by an outside technical support team (IT consultant or Managed Service Provider). Given the rapid changes in the market and the complexities of offerings, it is very important to have professional and knowledgeable technical support to assist in Public Cloud data backups. Many companies do not have experts in house and are not sure if they are getting the best advice from outside consultants.
- Unexpected Costs
Public Cloud egress fees are charged whenever data is moved out from the cloud. This is exactly what happens every time there is a data restoral or whenever an organization wants to test its ability to successfully restore the backup. The costs can be significant depending on the amount of data transferred out of the cloud. For many, the variability of billing each month due to data transfer fees can make Public Cloud Data Backup less attractive. It is hard to budget monthly expenses and easy for fees to grow dramatically.
CAPS’ Local Data Center Alternative
Offsite data backup to a local data center offers several advantages versus the Public Cloud alternative. First, security can be better. The security professionals at a local data center such as CAPS can configure customized security solutions and continuously monitor operations. Incorporating advanced tools such as Veeam SureBackup, the CAPS team can proactively test backups to assure they have not been compromised.
Data Centers like CAPS provide ongoing technical support to address each client’s unique needs. Even clients that get support from an IT Consultant or MSP can benefit from a second pair of eyes to help solve problems and optimize solutions. Clients who backup their data at CAPS also receive ongoing Remote Hands Support as part of their service.
Data backup to the CAPS data center is done for a fixed monthly charge. There are no egress fees or changes in the negotiated monthly rate. This makes planning possible and keeps costs within budget.
For those companies in Connecticut and the Northeast, CAPS provides optimal locations for offsite data backup. Superior data security, personalized services, and fixed monthly charges make the CAPS’ solution the best choice for offsite data backup.
