3 Different Backup Methods to Consider for Your Business

There are reasons backup strategies exist. That is because no one can fully expect the primary plan to work without a hitch. This is especially true when it comes to handling and storing data in a business. Even with reliable and up-to-date technology, there is always something that can go wrong that can cause data loss. Data loss in any business is bad news, and in the worst cases, it can end a company right there and then.  

With that in mind, you may be wondering how you can effectively back up your business’s data. There are various ways to make a backup, and here are the common methods that many businesses utilize: 

1. Full backups 

A full backup is when you make a full copy of all the data you have on a server. This means each file and folder gets duplicated and copied over to another storage solution. 

The most significant advantage of a full backup is that it restores your files quickly and efficiently. Also, you will receive multiple copies, depending on when you schedule the backup. The only drawback is that it requires a lot of storage space, especially if it has to back up large files.

2. Mirror backups

A Mirror backup is quite similar to a full backup because it makes a full copy of the original files and folders in the main server. The only difference is that it does not make multiple copies on different dates. Instead, the backup file mirrors the current source’s state.

The main advantage of a mirror backup is that it does not require as much storage space, as you only maintain one mirror copy. However, this also means that if something goes wrong with the main file, such as accidentally deleting a folder, running another backup means that the latest copy will also reflect the issue. 

3. Incremental backups 

When using incremental backups, the first backup you make will be a full backup. From there, any changes to the main server will also be reflected in incremental backups as smaller files. In other words, the only backups made after the initial backups are the changes made to the files. 

Because incremental backups only deal with changes, it makes the backup procedure extremely quick. However, the restore time is a little more complicated because you have to deal with multiple changes, depending on how often you run the backup. 

Conclusion

While there are many other backup methods out there, these common types are excellent in ensuring that your files are backed up and stored away safely in case you need them. Hopefully, you will never need to use your backups, but you will be thankful that you have them once you do.

Finally, one important tip you need to know about backups is that you will want to have multiple backup sources. You never know when a backup fails, and having different backups stored in various locations will minimize the risk of data loss that can potentially interrupt your business.

I/O Zoom is a hosting solution provider in the US, offering various hosting solutions from VPS hosting to WordPress hosting. If you are looking for VPS hosting with backup features and more, work with us today!