What is Cloud Backup and How Does it Work?
Cloud backup is the process of backing up relevant data. The data backs up in a remote cloud-based server called the ‘cloud’. Users have a high chance of losing data upon damage or ransomware. The cloud backup solutions allow users to store important documents and files safely.
The following segments cover the basics and working of cloud backup.
What is cloud backup?
Data gets stored in a physical location on your device. While backing up, data is replicated and sent to a remote cloud location. Hence, ensuring safe and accessible data at times of hardware or software failures. Cloud backup is often referred to as ‘online data storage ‘. However, every solution has its drawbacks.
Pros and cons of cloud backup.
According to Webopedia, the pros and cons of cloud backup are-
Benefits of cloud backup-
- No necessary hardware maintenance and investment
- Flexible addition or removal of capacity, if required
- Accessible data from any site with an internet connection
- Easy and frequent automating and backup
Drawbacks of cloud backup-
- Internet connection is necessary
- Inconvenient and unmanageable full recovery
- Less visibility over backup data
- Reliance on third party providers
Difference between cloud storage and cloud backup.
Cloud storage is primarily manual, unlike automated cloud backup. Cloud storage provides additive on-premise data storage, limited to an onsite cloud location. Hence, data access is possible anytime, anywhere, using an internet connection.
On the other hand, cloud backup replicates and stores data. This ensures data backup in case of devastating situations.
What is the use of data backup?
- For safeguarding data and app information
- Rapid recovery of data
- Reliable recovery during any disaster
- Flexibility in storing data
Upon understanding the necessity of cloud backup, users may head to its working process.
Working process of cloud backup.
The basic procedure is-
- copy data from the original production site and
- transfer data to a remote storage system.
Users for data recovery can access this data. Organizations opt for professional cloud services. They provide the following eye-catching benefits-
- easy deployment.
- High flexibility.
- On-demand scalability.
Hence, cloud backup solutions are most preferred for cloud backup. To set up an appropriate cloud backup process, follow these steps.
- Purchase a cloud backup solution.
- With the help of the IT system, install the backup service.
- Choose the necessary files and folders for backup.
Upon complete cloud configuration, the cloud backup system is ready for use. The backup service may allow users to set a backup schedule. Automatically, users can carry out the following functions.
- Operating with backup files.
- Control the allocated bandwidth.
- Addition of files, if necessary.
Upon customizing the backup service, the user doesn’t need to worry about the backup process. Here on, the user has to put in minimal effort. Data will backup automatically as and when necessary.
Types of available cloud backup
Full cloud backup | Differential cloud backup | Incremental cloud backup | |
Storage capacity | High capacity | Medium to high capacity | Low capacity |
Speed of backup | Slowest backup speed | Fast backup speed | Fastest backup speed |
Speed of restoration | Fastest restoration speed | Fast restoration speed | Slowest restoration speed |
Required media for recovery | Recent backup | Recent full and differential backup | Recent full backup and full, incremental backup |
Duplication | Stores many duplicate files | Stores limited duplicate files | Stores no duplicate file |
Summing up!
According to Dave Wallen,
A system failure wipes out all your data; corruption renders your data useless, an error leads to permanent deletion. Remember: Data loss always sneaks up on you.
Hence, the installation of trustable cloud backup solutions is necessary. It allows recovery, restoration, and data access as and when required.