IT Resources: 3 Key Backup Types
As a business, safeguarding your information and data is paramount. Managed IT services, like those offered by IT Resources in Tampa, employ a variety of backup methods to ensure your data is always safe and easily retrievable. Doing so allows you to bounce back quickly in case of accidental loss or a cyber-attack.
Three of the main types of IT backups we offer are full backups, incremental backups, and differential backups. Let's discuss them
3 Main Types of IT Backups
Understanding the backups provided by managed IT Services, such as IT Resources in Tampa, is key to continued steadfast cyber resilience. There are three primary methods of backup that keep your sensitive business data secured:
- Full backup: The most basic and comprehensive backup method, where all data is sent to another location.
- Incremental backup: Backs up all files that have changed since the last backup occurred.
- Differential backup: Backs up only copies of all files that have changed since the last full backup.
Full Backups
A full backup, in essence, acts as the most basic and comprehensive backup method. It works by transmitting all data to another location, be it an external storage device or the cloud. Imagine having a complete, up-to-the-minute copy of your entire business database stashed away in a secure location. With it, you get an exact copy of all your company's data.
We think of it as the best safety net in case of a data loss incident. Explaining to our clients that it's similar to a 'fail-safe', ensuring even in the event of catastrophic data loss, none of your vital information is permanently lost. The versatility of this method allows for the entire database to be restored quickly, keeping your business operational.
When there is an issue or breach, you want rapid recovery capabilities. That's where having proactive backups & data recovery solutions from a managed IT service like IT Resources is most useful for your small to mid-sized business.
How Full Backup Works
Full backups operate by copying and storing every piece of your data at a different location, be it a Network-attached storage (NAS), a Storage Area Network (SAN), or the cloud. While this method requires a considerable amount of storage space, the advantage it presents is its immutability. It doesn't rest on previous versions of your data and thus protects all your existing information without the risk of data corruption.
Incremental Backups
Then there's an Incremental Backup. It's an IT system that backs up only the files that have changed since the last backup. Not only does this method save storage space, as it does not keep multiple iterations of the same files, but it also speeds up the backup process. It's another backup option that offers no significant interruptions or slow-downs in system performance.
However, during a data recovery event, they'll need to be restored in sequence, which could potentially increase restoration time.
Benefits of Incremental Backups
- Maximized efficiency & speed
- Utilizes less storage space
- Only the data that's changed since the last backup was done, whether that was a full or incremental backup
Differential Backups
The Differential Backup system provides a balanced approach. It backs up only the copies of files that have differed or changed since the last full backup. The differential backup approach is the middle ground between full and Incremental backup methods. It captures all changes made since the last full backup. It's a versatile protection option and solid restoration times without huge storage requirements.
This type of backup technology can be stored either on-site with solutions such as a NAS or SAN, or off-site in a cloud environment. During restoration, you only need the most recent differential backup and the last full backup, leading to a near-perfect restoration time.
The immutability of these backups serves as another critical advantage. It means that once the data is stored, it can't be altered without creating a new version of the document. It's an excellent tool to maintain the integrity of your business data over time.
Consider Hybrid Protection
Relying on a single type of backup may not suit all organizations. Each business, depending on its size, nature of operations, and recovery objectives, may require a customized mix—a hybrid approach to data protection. Our managed IT services can provide tailored strategies, blending the benefits of full, differential, and incremental backups to ensure robust, versatile protection that aligns with your company’s specific needs.
With these three backup options at your disposal, rest assured that your office's valuable data, whatever its size or complexity, is safe under the watchful eyes of managed IT services like ours. Let's find the best backup option for your information. We provide businesses with data safety while achieving speed, immutability, and rapid IT recovery.
IT Investment Comparison: Full vs Incremental vs Differential Backups
We get it - the IT solution must make financial sense. Understanding the cost differences between full, incremental, and differential backups can help you make informed decisions for your company's data protection needs. Of course, we'll find the best solution for your company's IT budget during the consultation.
A full backup is typically the most intensive and costly backup method. This is because every bit of data is transferred and stored in a secondary location each time a backup occurs. Remember: full backups are also the most comprehensive. They provide a complete mirror of your data and are easy to restore from, making them a critical component of most backup strategies.
Incremental backups are typically the lowest on the overall investment. As only the files that have changed since your last backup are stored, less storage space results in cost savings. But you could pay for it later with longer data recovery times should you have a breach occur.
Differential backups are generally the mid-tier option due to the balanced approach to data storage. Clients like that it has a fast data recovery time and maintains the majority of their information.
When you're considering your company's data protection needs, remember that there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Let's meet to discuss how you can maintain comprehensive data protection while managing costs effectively.
Protecting Your Data
Safeguarding your data against potential loss, corruption, or disasters is more critical than ever. Whether your organization utilizes Google Workspace, Office 365, Salesforce, or another platform, embracing a reliable, regular data backup system is imperative. Managed IT services offer top-tier data protection, presenting versatile options like full, incremental, or differential backups.
Don't underestimate the importance of data backups—take a proactive step today. Consult with IT Resources to devise a backup strategy that suits your business best and secures your future.
