Data backup is something of a conundrum for many small businesses. The classic mindset is that they don’t think they need data backup because there’s no way they’ll be struck with a data loss disaster. Their office may not be located in a place prone to natural disasters, and the organization is so small that the assume they are off the hook when it comes to hackers. This doesn’t reduce the value that a good data backup system can offer, though.
Having a “it won’t happen to me” mentality will only make it hurt even more in the event that your business does suffer data loss. Many problems can result in data loss; hardware failures, end-user errors, surges and lightning, fires, and floods, can all leave you stranded. Here are three indicators that you know you need a proper data backup system.
You Regularly Use Contact Information and Other Data
Data that’s crucial for operations is of the utmost importance for your business. If you happen to lose it due to a disaster or a user error, you’re out of luck if you don’t have some sort of data backup system implemented. If your line of work depends on this data, you need to do everything in your power to protect it from any circumstances that could lead to its destruction or loss.
You Need to Access Historical Files and/or Records
Depending on your industry and the regulations that come with it, you might be required to keep a backup of your data. There may be other requirements as well, such as keeping your data off site or encrypted.
Your Employees Need It
Nobody is perfect. Even your most seasoned sales person might accidentally save over the only copy of your sales proposal template. Being able to quickly pull a single file or folder from a backup will save a lot of time and frustration. It’s also important to have a backup for your business if you want to ensure your employees’ retention. 60 percent of businesses that suffer a major data loss event file for bankruptcy within 6 months.
You Frequently Experience IT Troubles
If your technology isn’t the most reliable equipment out there, you should consider implementing a full data backup and disaster recovery solution. Hardware failure is a common reason why organizations lose data, simply because it seems to come out of nowhere. There are warning signs, though, if you know where to look. If your hardware starts to make strange noises, experiences operational inefficiencies, and is generally more trouble than it’s worth, data backup is critical.
You Don’t Have One At All!
To not be using some type of backup system is, in a word, risky. Ultimately, having a data backup and disaster recovery solution is a great preventative measure to take advantage of in a perilous and unpredictable technology field. Even something as simple as an onsite backup solution is better than not having one at all. However, you’ll want only the best solution for your business’s needs, so we recommend taking full advantage of our cloud-based Backup and Disaster Recovery (BDR) solution.
Could your business use a hand with implementing data backup and disaster recovery? If so, reach out to Evolve IT at (518) 203-2110.
