When it comes to choosing a cloud backup provider, many businesses often jump the gun and make hasty decisions based on limited information or pressure to start as soon as possible.
However, it's important that you understand the financial and operational impact that this choice will have on your business before rushing into a long-term commitment.
Think about it: When you choose a cloud backup provider, you’re practically handing them the keys to your digital kingdom. It makes sense to carefully evaluate the options so you’re absolutely certain that they’re trustworthy and a good fit for your business.
It may seem tedious, but here’s a list of the key questions you must ask your potential cloud backup service provider before signing on the dotted line.
Question #1: How does your pricing structure work?
Pricing is often the key factor for any businesses looking to implement cloud backups. Most cloud backup models are based on how much data you need backed up, how often you need to update backups, and the unique features offered by the service provider.
You don’t want a backup provider who’s going to charge additional fees and exclusions without your knowledge or consent. Even if they seem small, these costs will add up and hurt your bottom line while the backup provider laughs all the way to the bank.
Find a company that’s being completely honest and transparent about their service fees. The pricing should be a flexible, pay-as-you go model, with the ability to add more services as needed. This is so you can scale up or down when your business is experiencing surges or drops in demand, rather than tying yourself to expensive year-long contracts.
Question #2: How long will the data restoration take?
When your servers go down, how long is it going to take to get them back online? Will you lose days of your time waiting for a full data restoration? You need a cloud backup solution that is able to recover your data quickly in the event of a disaster, because every minute of downtime costs you money and tarnishes your business’s reputation.
This is why you must request extensive details about the speed of data recovery during or after an emergency. Data transfer speeds can vary greatly depending on location and network connection, so make sure you pick a company that can have your servers up and running again in a timely manner.
Question #3: What security measures do you have in place?
It’s a good idea to discuss your security concerns and compliance expectations with any prospective cloud backup vendor. Security measures to look for include anti-malware programs, firewalls, multi-factor user authentication, and routine security audits. These safety protocols prevent unauthorized access and ensure that your backups are protected from cyber attacks and identity thieves.
Most reputable cloud backup providers will be able to tell you exactly how your backups are kept safe, including the encryption level, physical security measures, and access restrictions. In addition, they should give you complete control over the encryption key that is accessible to no one but you.
Question #4: What kind of customer support do you offer?
Technical support should be a key consideration when it comes to backing up your data to the cloud. Without exception, you should be able to reach your provider’s support team online, by email, or by phone 24 hours a day, every day, including public holidays.
You should also inquire about the average response and problem resolution time, and whether you’ll be speaking with knowledgeable technicians or automated response systems when you call the customer service line.
If you’re just looking for basic data backup software, you’ll probably find plenty of options available in the market. But if it’s advanced security, fast data restoration capabilities, and steadfast support team you’re after, give us a call. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about cloud backups and assist with the migration process.
