Many SMBs fully understand the importance of backing-up company data. The challenge comes, however, when many rely on often time-consuming and outdated solutions such as removable hard disc, back-up tapes or copying files to other machines. These solutions, while seemingly addressing the issue at hand, also bring with them a new set of obstacles for SMBs to deal with including unnecessary expense, unreliability and increased chance of human error. This can be even more challenging for small businesses where knowledgeable IT staff are typically in short supply and backup procedures are often non-existent.
Cloud computing is being hailed as a solution that can reduce cost and improve efficiency in many business cases. However, its implementation raises concern amongst some SMBs, with preconceptions that the solutions, particularly when it comes to storage come at a high cost. Worse still, some SMBs think that businesses are more vulnerable to data loss or corruption with cloud computing, preventing them from taking the next step.
Cloud Attached Storage is a solution that combines secure on-premises Network Attached Storage (NAS) appliances with cloud-based storage to ensure that data is backed-up automatically whether its accessed locally or remotely. It also enables users to synchronise both personal folders and project folders, making it easier to collaborate across multiple devices; a huge benefit in this digital era. This avoids the need for separate and more expensive solutions that are often difficult to manage and instead ensures a high level of continuity for the business and increased protection for company’s data on servers and devices. It is therefore an ideal solution for the SMB.
One such organisation that made the switch from the traditional methods to Cloud Attached Storage is Studio Cambridge School in Cambridgeshire. After suffering from serious flooding in 2014, the school was forced to review and improve its data back up and disaster recovery plan. Having previously used tape hard drives, which had to be taken off site each evening, the systems administrator identified the need for a more resilient, off-site and secure solution. ALVEA’s Cloud Attached Storage was implemented resulting in easy accessible data, which was also encrypted to further tighten security. The staff could also choose when the data was backed up so as not to affect bandwidth for the users during the day. The school now has a fully managed, cost-effective solution with guaranteed service levels, backed up by 8/5 support.
With today’s flexible and mobile working environment, it is vital for a successful business to have reliable and secure access to files when working in more than one location, particularly for staff who need to simultaneously work on the same critical document. Alongside this, organisations need to comply with regulatory requirements to store and protect critical data such as accounts, customer details or financial information.
For these organisations, it is imperative to implement a back-up plan to help protect the business, staff and customers against data loss. The value of data for businesses cannot be underestimated and so must be harnessed and protected using the right system. The time and initial expense of creating even the most basic backup and recovery strategy is well worth the effort, as in these uncertain times, if you fail to prepare, you should prepare to fail.
