Even though computers are very reliable, problems like virus attacks, thefts, power surges and natural disasters can bring your business to its knees. Generally, you want to back up all of your customer and transaction-related data, particularly items that haven't been closed out and accounted for. When you have data entering your business often, you want a more frequent backup schedule. And if a service outage will result in immediate lost business, you should seriously look at bringing in an IT consultant for a data defense in depth.
Here are some questions you need to ask to implement a solid backup plan:
- Which data files or applications do you need to back up?
- How often should you backup your data?
- Do you need high availability of your data?
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Use simple backup media
If your backup needs are modest, you can get by with USB thumb drives, burnable CDs, or burnable DVDs. The key here is to implement a consistent data backup schedule and plan to store the data you need to backup.
I recommend: Make sure you have plenty of storage media:
Office Depot or
Staples carry what you need.
Use dedicated backup software
The risk-free solution for most small businesses is to use an application that lets you copy your entire PC hard drive with all your data and settings intact.
I recommend: Check out
PCMag.com's Software Backup Reviews or go with one of the top solutions in this space:
Norton Save & Restore or
Acronis True Image.
Use a hard drive
You can buy inexpensive hard drives that you can attach to individual PCs or to your office network.
I recommend: Check out
PCMag.com's Backup Storage Devices Reviews or
CNET's Hard Drives and Burners Reviews.
Use an online backup service
Online services let you backup to the company's remote servers automatically.
I recommend: Check out
Apple's .Mac,
Data Deposit Box,
Iron Mountain's Live Vault,
SOS Online Backup, and
Mozy.
When in doubt, call in the pros
If you'd face immediate lost business from an outage, it probably pays to hire experts rather than risk your livelihood yourself. Hire a local knowledgeable information technology consultant.
I recommend: Several services, such as
Geek Squad and
GeeksOnTime can visit your office and set you up with a combination of onsite and offsite backup.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- It's usually worth the extra initial investment to purchase a software solution and external hard drive or offsite online service because you can automate the backup process most easily.
- Test your backup data – you can't be sure that you have it backed up if you can't put it to use when you need it.
The official source of Implementing a Data Backup Plan is
the Network Backup and Recovery Software page at Business.com
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