The term cloud backup describes a method of data backup that uses the public Internet and servers in external data centres. The data is not stored locally on your own equipment, but transferred to remote data storage devices via the network.
Alternative terms for cloud backup are online backup, web backup or online data backup. With cloud backup, local data is transferred as a copy over a network to external data storage or servers for backup. Usually the public internet is used for data exchange. If a local data loss occurs due to a defect or some other problem, the data can be restored via the network. The service for online data backup is provided by service providers who operate and host servers connected to the Internet.
The providers charge fees for their service depending on the capacity provided, the usable bandwidth and the various functions of the data storage device. If users use cloud backup processes, they do not have to provide any storage capacity for data backup themselves. There is also no need to manage, check or administer local data storage. The spatial separation of the local end device and external backup in the cloud means that the data is very well protected against local events such as fire or flooding.
The most important features of cloud backup
In order to carry out the online data backup, users usually need client software. In many cases, the backup service provider provides them. The client software is installed on the system to be backed up and takes over the automatic transfer of the data to the storage in the cloud. Various backup strategies such as full backups or incremental backups can be implemented with the clients. The frequency of the backups and the directories to be backed up can also be configured in the software.
Online backup in large companies
For large companies, using online data backup and recovery services can be a real challenge. The reasons for this are the large amounts of data that arise in the company and the type of data to be backed up. Critical data must be able to be restored within a very short time, which cannot always be ensured through internet transmission. Very large amounts of data can often not be sent or received over the network in a reasonable time window. Even incremental backups can become obsolete if a large number of changes result in large daily amounts of data. Legal framework conditions to be complied with and sensitive data in strictly regulated companies and organisations sometimes require local storage solutions.
Advantages and disadvantages of cloud backup
Cloud backups offer a number of advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the size of the system to be backed up, the type of data stored and the size of the company, online data backups may or may not be applicable. Below is a short list of the main advantages and disadvantages of cloud backup.
Benefits:
- High convenience through automatic processes
- no need of own hardware
- easily calculable costs
- low investment costs
- no support and administration of storage systems and media
- easily scalable storage capacity on external servers
- spatial separation of the saved data
- high security standards and availability of professional service providers
Disadvantage:
- strong dependency on the performance and availability of the internet connection
- little control over external service providers and their hardware and software
- Problems with adhering to strict German or European data protection guidelines
- Unauthorized access due to inadequate encryption or authentication methods
