Off-site Backup

Off-site backup refers to a data backup method that involves backing up data to a remote server or media that is stored in a different physical location. The two most commonly used forms of off-site backup are cloud backup and tape backup. Cloud backup involves sending a copy of the data over a network to a server that is hosted by a third-party cloud service provider or owned by the enterprise. This can be done by either sending the data over a network or using cloud seeding to send a disk drive or tape to the cloud service provider. The organization can then schedule and run regular backups through a web browser, and the remote files and folders appear as they are stored off-site. In tape backup, the data is copied from primary storage to a tape cartridge, which is then transported to a different location for off-site data protection.

Off-site backup is crucial in case of a disaster, ransomware attack, or any other unexpected incident that may affect the main data center. In such situations, an organization can retrieve the backed-up data from either the cloud or tape cartridges to recover. Even though local backup provides faster access to data, off-site backup acts as a vital safety net.

For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the cloud is an excellent option to back up data since it is cheaper and more straightforward. An SMB may also use an external hard disk drive (HDD) for off-site backup, which is easier to back up to but not as portable or durable as tape. Tape is typically used more by enterprises and industries such as media, entertainment, and life sciences, which need to store vast amounts of data. Moreover, SMBs usually have fewer resources than enterprises to move tapes off-site.

Different off-site and on-site backup

Local backup, also known as on-site backup, provides faster recovery options than off-site backup. For instance, if an employee accidentally deletes important files, the organization can retrieve them within seconds from a local disk backup. In addition to being on site, a disk backup also offers random access, which facilitates quicker recovery.

In contrast, retrieving data from cloud backups or getting tapes back from an off-site location can take a significant amount of time. The recovery times for cloud backups can vary considerably based on the organization’s available internet bandwidth. Furthermore, during a regional disaster, if numerous organizations are attempting to retrieve data from the cloud, and the bandwidth is limited, the process can significantly slow down.

Source:

https://www.techtarget.com/searchdatabackup/definition/off-site-backup