Local vs Remote Backup, Which is Better?

Discover what local and remote data backup solutions involve including their advantages and drawbacks and make it easy to decide which one suits your needs.

The first step towards protecting your business from data loss is backing up your important files. You may opt to do so locally or remotely. This article examines these data backup methods and highlights the merits and demerits of each to help you determine which one works for you.

Local Backup

Local data backup is also referred to as an on-site backup. It involves storing data in physical media such as hard drives, magnetic tapes, and CDROMs. In the event of data corruption, you can retrieve the backup files and restore your company operations. 

Advantages of Local Backup

This backup method is affordable and can be scaled up quickly to match business needs. For instance, if you do not have lots of data, a simple drive will do. However, as your organization grows, you will need to scale up your backup media.

The storage devices needed for local data backup such as magnetic tapes and hard drives are inexpensive. This allows companies to purchase them as and when needed. Moreover, using these devices is easy and does not require complicated procedures to install. With a tool such as the DataNumen Backup application, companies can accomplish this without hiring an IT professional.

Since the file backups are stored locally, it is easy to retrieve and access them. This reduces the time needed to recover data and restore essential services to clients. The benefits that come with the ability to reduce the outage time of essential systems to clients are many. These include increased customer satisfaction, which is a key determinant of their loyalty to your brand.

Drawbacks of Local Backup

On the downside, this data backup method is prone to security threats such as theft. Offices can be broken into and sensitive information about the organization stolen. Also, the backup files can be damaged in cases of accidents, natural disasters, and acts of terrorism. In the worst-case scenario, the backups can be completely destroyed and cause irreparable damage to your organization.

Remote Backup

As the name suggests, remote file backup involves storing data on an online server away from your company.  For instance, the servers of cloud-based backup solutions are geographically separate from the clients’ physical location. Companies can subscribe for services at a fee, which may vary from one service provider to another.

Advantages of Remote Backup

The physical separation of the backup files from the original ones secures the documents from various risks such as theft and natural disasters. This enables companies to have disaster recovery plans critical for business continuity post severe data loss events.

Remote data backup solutions come with encryption capabilities. This allows you to secure your files before uploading them for storage. Even if the files fell on the wrong hands at this level, removing the encryption would be a tall order. 

Another benefit of using remote backup is that these service providers offer limitless storage capacity. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about filling up disk storage space.

Drawbacks of Remote Backup

While remote backup provides unlimited and secure storage of data, it comes at a premium price. This is a big setback for companies with tight budgets.  It also relies on an internet connection to upload and download files to and from the storage servers, respectively. This comes with challenges of its own.

For instance, your upload or download speed is as good as your internet connection. You need a high-speed internet connection to back up and retrieve data from cloud servers. You also have to contend with firewalls blocking your uploads. These problems need experienced experts who may be expensive to hire. 

Final Thoughts

Both local and remote data backup solutions come with advantages and disadvantages. However, if you can afford the infrastructure that can support remote backup, then this provides a superior solution. If you are working on a tight budget, a hybrid system that includes both local and remote backup would be an appropriate solution for your business.