For many companies, data is crucial to running business operations. This is why as a business owner, regularly backing up your data is a must.

There are two main types of data backups: local backups and cloud backups. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of both backup types to help you choose the best one for your organization.

What is a local backup?

A local backup involves storing a copy of your data on a storage media that is located on premises and is kept close to the data source. Examples of such storage media include an external hard drive, a flash drive, and a magnetic tape. 

Advantages of local backups

There are many pros to using local backups: 

• No internet dependency: Local backups are not dependent on an internet connection, so they can be used even when your connection is down.
• Speed of backup and restoration: Backing up and restoring data from local backups is generally faster than doing so from cloud backups, as there is no need to download data from the cloud.
• Control over data: With local backups, you have complete control over your data, which helps reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

Disadvantages of local backups

Using local backups also has downsides:

• High upfront costs: You need to purchase backup storage devices, software, and other necessary hardware, which can be expensive, especially if you need to store huge volumes of data.
• High maintenance: Managing local backups can be complex and time-consuming as this entails regularly backing up your data and testing your backups to ensure they are working properly. 
• Physical space requirement: The amount of physical space required to store local backups can be significant, especially if you have a lot of data. If you have limited office space, it may not be feasible to store all of your backups on site and this will limit your ability to expand your backup storage system.
• Risk of physical damage: Local backups are vulnerable to physical damage resulting from natural disasters and accidents.

What is a cloud backup?

Cloud backup is a copy of your data stored on remote servers, which can be accessed over the internet. These servers are typically hosted in data centers managed by a cloud service provider (CSP). 

Advantages of cloud backups

Cloud backups offer the following advantages:

• Cost-effectiveness: You don’t have to shoulder the upfront costs of purchasing and maintaining your own backup system since the CSP handles all the underlying hardware and software. You simply pay a monthly or annual fee for their services. 
• Off-site data storage: Your data is stored in a remote location, making it less vulnerable to physical damage, theft, and local natural disasters.
• Accessibility: Your cloud backups are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. This means that you can restore your data from any location, even if your office is inaccessible.
• Security: CSPs use a variety of top-notch security measures, such as encryption and access controls, to protect your data. 
• Automation: Cloud backup services typically offer automated backups, which means that your data is backed up automatically on a regular basis. This frees you up from having to manually back up your data, which can be time-consuming and error-prone.
• Scalability: With cloud backups, you can easily increase or decrease your storage capacity as needed. This is especially helpful if you experience fluctuating data volumes.

Disadvantages of cloud backups

There are also downsides to using cloud backups:

• Internet dependency: Cloud backups are dependent on an internet connection. If your internet is down, you cannot access your backups. This can be a problem in the event of a natural disaster or disruption to your internet service.
• Latency: The speed of your internet connection can affect the speed of your backup and restoration processes. If you have a slow internet connection, backing up or restoring your data from the cloud may take longer than expected and, in the worst cases, could fail completely.
• Loss of control: When you store backups in the cloud, you lose some control over your data. You don’t have control over the physical location of your data, and you may not have access to the same level of data encryption as you would with a traditional backup method.
• Possibility of data loss: Some CSPs may delete your data after a certain period of time, even if you have paid for their services. Make sure to read the fine print regarding data retention policies before choosing a provider. 

Which backup solution should your business choose?

The right backup solution for your company will depend on your specific needs and requirements. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:

• Budget: The upfront cost of a local backup system can be lower than using a cloud backup service, but the long-term cost of cloud backups may be more worth it if you need to store a lot of data.
• Data needs: If you have a lot of data or need to back up your data frequently, cloud backup may be a better option because CSPs typically offer more storage space and flexibility than an on-premises system.
• Internet connection: With local backups, you won’t have to worry about slower connections or interrupted uploads due to poor internet service. On the other hand, with cloud backups, you might experience slow uploads and even data loss if your internet connection is unreliable.
• Security requirements: If security is a top priority, cloud backups may be a better option because CSPs are typically able to invest in stronger security measures than small businesses.
• Your technical expertise: Local backup tends to be more complex to manage than cloud backups. If you are not comfortable managing backups, using a cloud backup service may be the best approach. Many CSPs provide an automated solution that requires minimal maintenance from the user.

If you are still unsure which type of backup is right for you, turn to the IT experts at AllConnected. We can assess your needs and recommend the best solution for your business. Schedule a consultation with us today.