In the event of a disaster, offsite data backup secures computer data using an offsite location.
The data is a secondary, not primary, copy of information.
Traditionally, backup companies use magnetic tapes as well as other removable storage media to secure clients' information.
However, disk drives are becoming increasingly popular because they are oftentimes more convenient.
Offsite data backup works by first encrypting the data, then compressing and transmitting it to an offsite security center.
This data can then be accessed in the event of an emergency by using either the Internet or another data restore line.
Many offsite backup service providers offer additional features, including over-the-phone support, account management, database and email backup, and central management for multiple data locations.
Because backups are stored in purpose-built vaults, offsite data storage is also known as vaulting.
While there are no generally recognized standards for what constitutes a vault, commercial vaults typically fit into three categories: oUnderground vaults - often converted defunct cold war military or communications facilities, or even abandoned mines.
oFree-standing dedicated vaults.
oInsulated chambers sharing facilities - often implemented within existing record center buildings.
There are a number of advantages to storing your data offsite: (1) Your data is protected in the event of a disaster; (2) Backup operations can be performed automatically, leaving more time for more productive tasks; (3) Cross-platform technology--in other words, backup can be performed regardless of which operating system you use; and, (4) Added data security with data-encrypted network connections.
Of course, data backup cannot prevent disasters from happening, but it can help you restore important information that otherwise would have been lost.