What Is a Hybrid Data Backup Solution?

In the current economy, many businesses across the globe are seeking alternatives to costly data backup methods. A popular solution to costly backup methods is cloud backup, which works well as a strategy for business continuity planning and disaster recovery. Data backup and storage in the cloud means that the cloud service provider takes responsibility for costly backup hardware and redundancy methods. The company seeking cloud storage pays a monthly subscription fee, which is based on the amount of backup and storage which is required.

In order to successfully backup and store data in the cloud, you must choose a reliable provider that has a track record for using multiple backup servers, advanced security, and immediate access and recovery in the event of a disaster. A lot of companies prefer to pursue the best of both worlds by combining the speed of local backup with the security of cloud backup. This concept is known as hybrid backup and is more cost effective than tape methods and other offsite storage methods.

How Hybrid Data Backup Works

Hybrid cloud backup provides a combination of cloud data backup and storage with local backup. The cloud storage is integrated with the local backup to ensure critical data is protected in the event of a disaster. A hybrid data backup solution automatically backs up critical data to a remote server in the cloud, while a local backup is typically performed using a drive on the local network which is shared or a network attached storage (NAS) device. In the event that the local backup fails, the cloud storage and backup assures that data can be recovered in the event of loss.

• Cloud Backup in Datacenter: The cloud backup portion of hybrid services involves storing critical business information in a data center which is provided by the cloud provider. The cloud service provider is responsible for the maintenance of networking equipment and backup servers. Most quality cloud backup providers also offer underground vault storage which would otherwise be very costly for most companies. The data is copied from a primary source to the cloud service and accessed via a web interface from virtually any location.
• Full or Partial System Backup (Local): Local backup methods have modernized with the inception of new technology. Many of the local backup methods have the features that in the past only larger companies could access. Now they have been placed within the reach of budgets for small businesses and allow these entities to improve methods for disaster recovery. Local backup systems now allow for full or partial backup. Full system backups allow you to recover your entire operating system along with files and data or parts of your system and files that you designate.

How Hybrid Data Backup Works

The information described above helps you understand cloud and local backup solutions as separate entities to make a hybrid cloud backup solution easier to understand. A hybrid cloud backup solution offers a better protection strategy than a traditional offsite solution or a cloud backup solution used by itself. With a local backup you can backup data immediately in increments or as an entire system with a Network Attached Storage device or USB hard drive. You can also do the same with a cloud backup and storage provider plus, you have the additional reassurance of having access to data backed up in the cloud as well as a redundant backup from the cloud provider you choose.

The convenience of cloud backup and storage has significantly reduced the cost of disaster recovery storage where it has become a reality for smaller businesses and other professional markets. To learn more about a hybrid cloud backup solution that is right for your business, contact Thrive Networks today to speak with one of our professionals.