technology 25


Finding the best solution to keeping your data safe


It has never been easier to store and protect your business’s data – but with such a wide range of options available, it can be difficult to decide on the best solution. Tim Walker of Taylor Made Computer Solutions looks at some of the advantages of cloud-based backup


Companies and organisations need to make sure they manage their concerns about costs, but also ensure they have a system that mitigates against the very real threat of data breaches.


Most business leaders realise how important a reliable data backup solution is and will often think of it as an insurance to protect data in the event of a disaster such as a fire or flood.


But in fact such dramatic events are rare, and the biggest risk to data tends to come in two main forms:


• The first is user error within the organisation which causes files to be compromised or deleted.


• The second is a malicious attack from outside the organisation – a nightmare scenario for all firms.


In 2014, there were 15 incidents of data breaches within the legal profession alone, prompting the Information Commissioner’s Office to issue a public warning that solicitors and barristers need to do more to ensure that client information is kept safe.


Fortunately, critical breaches or data loss events are rare – but when they do occur, they are often devastating


Whatever the nature of the business, the fact that there is a monetary penalty of up to £500,000 for a serious breach of the Data Protection Act makes it clear that it is important to get your data security strategy right.


Concerns about data storage costs


Fortunately, the cost of storage devices is steadily decreasing while their capacity is increasing. Firms can now afford to store huge amounts of data in a relatively small amount of space.


However, part of the downside of managing a growing amount of data in a traditional


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – APRIL 2015


on-site IT environment within an office is that often data is stored within ageing IT infrastructure. Not only does this add risk to the data being stored – ie will you be able to get it back in the event of a data loss? – it also increases the cost of managing this data by your IT team or IT support supplier.


Data is constantly backed up but if you have not needed to restore it, your cost can often decrease accordingly


Cloud storage is a secure alternative


A hosted backup service, often referred to as ‘cloud’ storage, is one of the best ways to securely store sensitive information. Here are a few reasons why:


• Cloud storage is scalable, and you only pay for the storage space you need


• The monthly expense is predictable


• The storage technology is always state- of-the art


• Data can be easily backed up and synchronised to eliminate the fear of data loss


• You have control over who accesses the data


• Cloud storage allows for remote access from any location


• It supports your business continuity plan by allowing for fast and efficient data recovery.


Fortunately, critical breaches or data loss events are rare – but when they do occur, they are often devastating.


Most cloud-based solutions are built with this in mind – they are highly scalable, cost-effective backup and recovery services built on industry- leading technologies.


There are generally no ongoing hardware or licensing costs and there is no need for large capital expenditures.


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You only pay for the data that is protected on a monthly basis.


Flexible pricing structures are a huge benefit for businesses as they constantly adapt according to how often you need the backup.


Data is constantly backed up but if you have not needed to restore it, your cost can often decrease accordingly – giving many companies peace of mind at a reasonable price.


Some use “healing technology” to ensure that every backup taken is complete and without error or corruption. This process identifies any potential data errors and corrects them to ensure a full backup every time.


The days of organisations backing their data up to tapes are still here for some, but most companies are getting smarter about how they store data. Some still back up to tape or hard disks and then don’t even take the tapes or disks out of their offices – don’t let your organisation be one of the companies to make some of these fundamental mistakes in data security.


Details: www.tmcs.co.uk


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