Remote backups offer many advantages over traditional disk, or magnetic tape backups. Unlike these older, labor-intensive methods, remote backups are programmed to occur automatically at prescribed intervals. However, the main advantage of remote backups is that the data is kept off-site, away from the office, in case of fire, flood, or other catastrophe that would otherwise leave the office stranded and unable to carry on regular business.
In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the need for remote system and data backups is more clear than ever. Smart businesses owners have heeded the warning that unexpected, even tragic things happen and businesses owe it their employees, clients, and customers to be as prepared as possible to start up business again after a disaster. Hurricane Katrina underscored this knowledge again, reminding business owners that they may some day have to carry on from an office many miles from where they are accustomed to doing business. To be able to minimize downtime and lost data, remote backups are put in place.
Businesses that are prepared with a remote backup can rent or purchase space in another state, if necessary, and contact clients to let them know where they are and reassure them that they are, indeed, still in business and there to serve them, just as always.
But more often than not, remote backups are used to restore data after the typical office, “Ooops,” or common power outage. These “just in case” backup copies are used every day to make things normal again, and that is their primary purpose.