Cloud backup has become popular in the cloud technology space due to its automation capability, effectiveness and reliability. Advanced cloud backup technology offers a variety of services to customers and businesses. Therefore, it has become essential to consider basic factors before selecting a backup service provider. Businesses must know the relevant questions to distinguish between business grade and customer-focused services in order to meet their needs.
Versatility and Performance
Companies could reduce data backup time if they choose a cloud backup services. It is a specialty service that provides not only faster backups, but also faster restores as compared to traditional options, like tape.
There are many backup service providers that offer remarkable figures to show how helpful their procedure is in minimizing the data volume that is backed up on daily basis. The statistics differ in various environments, so it is essential to get proof of advertized statistics. In addition, the service must support different type of platforms and apps like Mac, UNIX, Linux, Windows, Oracle, Dynamics, SharePoint, SQL Server, VMWare, Hyper-V, and Microsoft Exchange.
Questions to Ask:
1/ How does the duplication process work? Is the process file level or block level?
2/ What is the type of applications and operating systems that are supported by this technology?
3/ Is it possible to use a customized service to meet business needs?
4/ Is it a hybrid cloud supported service?
Compliance and Security
When companies manage confidential information, it is obligatory to consider compliance and security measures. Many service providers give guarantees of encrypted data at all stages. They make sure that the encryption key is not accessible by employees or other third party service providers.
Some service providers are ISO certified, perhaps ISO 9001 and ISO 27001. These certificates give proof that the service provider has serious intentions towards data protection and management.
Some companies are unwilling to backup their data outside of Europe or USA due to security concerns and legislative issues. Before selecting a service provider, companies need to check as to where the data will reside.
Questions for Comparing Service Providers
1/ How does this service provider encrypt data?
2/ Does the provider focus on consumers or is it a business solution?
3/ What are the types of data centers in which data will be stored?
4/ Will the service provider deduplicate data? If so, what is the procedure of deduplicating encrypted data?
5/ Is the provider certified for an ISO? (ISO 9001 and ISO 27001)
Pricing
Pricing is an important factor for businesses while considering a backup service provider. Transferring expenses from CAPEX to OPEX model is a significant factor; as many companies have a preference for CAPEX for accounting purposes. Some service providers can give high value and quality service with reasonable rates that can meet business needs of all customers.
Questions to Ask
1/ Does the provider charge for download and upload of data?
2/ Does the price depend on licensing or cost per GB?
3/ Are there any extra charges?
4/ Does the provider send quarterly, monthly or annual bill with arrears or in advance?
Availability and Service Levels
To select a reliable platform, get some references from existing customers in similar industry. Companies can ask about assurances related to uptime, downtime, the type of disk to save data (age, RAID and drive specification), nature of resilience in network, location of the support team and their availability through email and telephone.
Vendor lock-in
Before finalizing a provider, ask about their shortest contract period and the level of services they provide. Inquire about restrictions regarding terminating the service, cost and procedure for accessing and downloading data after cancelling the agreement.
