Data Backup Options: Comparing Local Copies To Online Backup Services

roderickdunne | Aug 17, 2010 |

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The main approaches for doing a data backup are to use (i) the old-school approach of saving/cloning files to CD, DVD or a USB hard drive or (ii) upload your documents to a web-based backup service. Here, we will look at the pluses and minuses of each to highlight which type of users each will suit.

Local Data Backup
The long established approach for doing a data backup has been to copy your documents to a local media. Formerly this was tape backups. More recently, home users can opt for DVD or large capacity hard drives, while office users can also opt for saving data to a network server.

Advantages

You don't need a web connection to run a backup; just the local backup device.
You have the freedom to choose which files are copied, and when the synchronization occurs.
Low cost of setup (HDD and DVDs are very reasonably priced).
Your only data volume limitation is the size of HDD you use (or the number of DVDs needed) for a full data backup.

Disadvantages

You have to remember to run backups. You could set up a scheduled task to run a backup program (e.g. free tools like SyncToy) but most users won't try this.
A house fire could destroy the original data and your backups (close proximity of data).

In reality, this is best suited to those with poor connection speeds and those people who would rather retain control of their data.

Online Data Backup
The increasing rise in broadband speeds has made it more feasible to consider doing a computer or laptop backup across the web to a remote server. This type of service comes at a cost (usually monthly) and involves installing some small client software that can communicate with and transfer files to the remote web service.

Advantages

Redundant duplicates of your data are kept to ensure the failure/damage of one server does not result in data loss.
Documents can be visible to you anywhere in the world over a web connection.
Emphasis on automation of data backup process (client software can run as a background task backing up data to remote servers).

Disadvantages

Without a web connection, you can neither upload nor download your backups.
You will still need fast broadband if you are uploading large volumes/sizes of files.
There a recurring cost, which can be severe if you wish to upload large volumes.

This option is really better suited to doing a laptop data backup for users working/travelling with their computer.