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Back Up Critical Business Files

How would your business fare if you suddenly lost all the data on your computer system? Chances are, unless you stored your backup data off site, not very well. A recent study discloses that it takes 19 days and cost in excess $17,000 to re-enter just 20 megabytes worth of sales and marketing data. Retrieving accounting records requires over 21 days of work and cost over $19,000 to re-type. The most frightening statistic is that 90% of companies that lose their data in a disaster are out of business within 2 years. 

 
A company’s business data is just as important as funds in their bank accounts, because computer files contain client names, sales information, and even more important, accounts receivable, accounts payable and yearly IRS information. Since most businesses don’t keep all their money in their offices, why risk losing their critical business data by keeping all of it in one location? People use banks so they can still have access to their funds if anything happens to their home or office. An offsite data location functions the same way—it is the “Bank” for your critical business information. And, just like banks, you can automatically transfer the information from one location to another. Once you subscribe to the online service, your data is automatically backed up on the dates and time you specify, and you have one less problem to worry about.
 
Backup Suggestions
 
  • If you backup your information to a cd and take it home, be SURE to check the data on the backup cd from outside your office to determine whether the backup worked. If the data on the backup cd is corrupted or not accessible, you need to know that BEFORE you require access to the data!
  • If you store your files online, make sure they are in an encrypted format, and that you can access them from any internet connection
  • Don’t rely on tape for permanent storage because it requires periodic rewinding
  • Establish a free Internet account now (and keep the password in a safe place) in case your ISP becomes involved in a disaster
  • DON’T WAIT for a “convenient time” to backup your data - Do It Today! ANY kind of backup is better than none at all!
 
 
 
 
  • Hardware or System Malfunctions
  • Human Error
  • Software Corruption
  • Computer Viruses
  • Natural Disasters
 
 
Data Recovery Specialists
 
If you do lose your data and don’t have a viable backup system, you should check into obtaining the services of a data recovery specialist. Several companies specialize in data recovery. Depending on the severity of your problem, the worst case scenario would be that you recover at least some of your lost information. The best outcome would be to recover all of your data. Be prepared, however, to pay a steep price for this service, as pricing varies extensively from one company to another.
 
 
Offsite Backup Companies
 
Offsite backup costs vary, depending on the company and storage space required. Some companies even offer 2 GB free worth of storage, then charge $2.99 for each additional GB used. Others charge a set price per month, regardless of storage space required.
 
 
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