Off Site Data Storage Solutions LLC

Why backup?

Most small businesses put their lives on the line every night and don't even realize it. With businesses depending more and more on the data stored in their computer, proper backups are becoming much more critical. Remote backups accomplish several essential steps that are often overlooked or done improperly by other backup software - especially non-automated tape backup systems.

What is Remote Backup?

Remote backup works basically like regular tape backups, with one important difference. Instead of sending backups to a tape or zip drive attached to the computer, remote backup works by sending data over broadband connections or regular telephone lines to another computer safely off-site. It does this (usually) at night while the business is closed and nobody is using the computer. It's completely automatic.

What is the difference between remote backup and backup terms I see on the internet?

There are many different names for this product, we like the phrase "Remote Backup" or "Remote Backup Service" but we have seen the same product called: off site data backup, off site data storage, offsite backup software, offsite data backup, offsite data storage, offsite storage, online data storage, online backup, online backup service, online backup services, online backup software, online backup storage, online data backup, online data storage, online file storage, internet backup, internet file storage, internet storage The names are different but the product is the same. The whole purpose is to automatically, backup up all of your data online, over the internet remotely.

Why would I need an offsite backup service?

Most small businesses do not perform a backup even if they have a tape drive. Of those that do, over half do not backup their system correctly. Usually when someone needs a critical file they find out that their tapes are corrupted and useless, or that the backups were never done in the first place. Only a small fraction of these people ever take their backups offsite. In order to take backups offsite they would need to wait for the backup to finish, which could take hours, and then they would have to carry it with them back and forth to the office. An Offsite Backup Service will execute automatically on a set schedule, transporting the data offsite, and securing it from prying eyes. Most importantly, any version of any file can be accessed immediately for a restore without having to retrieve a tape from offsite.

What if we already have a tape backup system?

Using both a tape backup system and a remote backup system offers the best of both worlds. Critical files, like billing, customer contact files and databases can be kept on the remote backup system. The tape system can be used to create a full backup of the entire file system—including program files—once or twice a month. The remote backup system can provide a quick and easy way to retrieve critical files and databases without the hassle of searching through tapes. Also, if you dont regularly restore your tape backups, how do you know they are not corrupt. You would be suprised how many times one restores a tape only to find the information missing, or worst case, corrupt.

How secure is OSDSS Remote Backup?

Very. You, and you alone, have access to your data files because OSDSS Data Backup encrypts your data prior to transmission to our offsite backup server. Military-grade encryption technology and a user-defined password (encryption key) ensure that nobody, including employees of OSDSS Connection, can access your data. Compare this to the total lack of security on most tape and zip drive systems. Encryption means your files are locked up before they are sent out on the Internet.

What tasks are required to run a daily backup?

None! The actual backup process itself is fully automated. Once you have configured the time, frequency and list of files to be backed up into the client software, the actual backup will take place automatically on schedule. All you have to do is keep your PC turned on when you leave the office in the evening.

Is it really inexpensive?

Absolutely! First, you can eliminate the costs of any backup related hardware and media immediately. That alone can save you anywhere from $400 to over $2000 in costs. Second, you may have an employee who does your backups now. If you pay that employee $9/hour and it takes on average one hour each day to perform the backup, that would be $180 a month, plus your payroll taxes. We can accommodate many businesses with a plan that starts at $50 per month.

Are you absolutely sure your employee is doing the backups properly?

Many people do not truly know how to do a proper backup, and most do not find out they were doing it wrong until it is just too late.

A recent study discloses that it takes 19 days and cost in excess $17,000 to re-enter just 20 megabytes worth of sales and marketing data. Retrieving accounting records is even worse; they require over 21 days of work and cost over $19,000 to re-type. It is essential to be pro-active and prevent a data loss from occurring to your business. Your insurance may be able to replace your computers after a failure, disaster, or theft. Unfortunately, they cannot replace the most important part, which is your data. With businesses depending more and more on the data stored in their computers, proper backups are becoming much more critical.

How often is the backup done?

Backups are done on a schedule customized for each client, usually at night. Most businesses don't do this. For one reason or another, they don't keep a regular backup regimen. Usually it's because the person responsible for doing backups (if there is one) is too busy doing something else, someone is using the computer when it's time for a backup, or they simply forget. Since Offsite Backups are done with automated software, backups are always performed on schedule.

What do I do if I forget or lose my encryption password?

Lost passwords cannot be recovered. For this reason, we highly encourage safely storing your password. Without it, your data will be lost. During the installation process, you will have the option to print out your encryption info and save a backup key file.

Do I have to leave my computer on all night?

Usually. Some businesses with low storage requirements can backup during the day because their backups can finish very quickly. However, most businesses already leave their computers running 24/7, and there is no harm in doing so. In fact, some reports even suggest that leaving your computer on all the time is much less harmful than turning it on and off regularly.

Can I specify the scheduled days and times backups are done?

Absolutely. Your backups can occur each weeknight, can also occur on Saturdays and Sundays, and in some situations can occur during the day. The backups are scheduled so that your business will be protected and not be interrupted.

What platforms does OSDSS Remote Backup support?

OSDSS Remote Backup runs on all 32-bit Windows operating systems including Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000, 2003, ME and XP. It runs in the background, and will not interfere with other programs you run.

The OSDSS Backup Client software runs on Windows only, but you can back up data on ANY operating system that Windows can see as a mapped drive. This means that you can back up Unix data, Macintosh, AS400, virtually anything that the computer running the OSDSS Backup Client can access as a shared drive.

What type of Internet connection is required?

Any type of connection, high speed LAN, T1, Cable, or DSL. However, the faster your internet connection, the better. The rate of transfer of your data from your computer to our offsite server is dependant on how fast your computer can access the Internet. For most small businesses, a DSL or Cable speed connection is sufficient. For individuals backing up smaller files from your home computer even a dialup connection is sufficient.

How easy is it to restore data?

Very. The client software that comes with OSDSS Remote Backup allows you to open a secure connection to our offsite backup servers any time, any day. You can then browse your backed up files and make any necessary file restorations.

Please contact us with any questions:

Offsite Data Storage Solutions, LLC.
P.O Box 31721
Charlotte, NC 28231

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