Cloud Backup vs. Local Backup: Which One is Better for Your Business?

Data is one of the most valuable assets for modern businesses today. The consequences can be devastating when data is lost or exposed to malware attacks. Therefore, the data backup process is critical. However, businesses must also choose between two main options: cloud backup or on-premises backup. This article will discuss these options in-depth and assist you in considering and deciding which one is better for your company. 

What is Cloud Backup?

Cloud backup is the process of keeping a copy of your company’s data or backing up your company’s data in a data center or server managed by a cloud service provider. Data is stored outside the company’s physical location and can be accessed online. Cloud backups often use encryption technology to keep data secure. 

What Is Local Backup?

On the other hand, local backups are methods of storing data in a physical location adjacent to a company, such as an external hard drive, local server, or other physical storage device. Local backups can be done manually or automatically, depending on the infrastructure used by the company. 

Advantages of Cloud Backup

Here are some of the advantages offered by cloud backup:

1.Data availability anywhere

One of the main advantages of cloud backup is data availability anywhere. You can access your data from any internet-connected device, even if you’re not in the office. This is especially important when your office may be inaccessible in natural disasters. 

2.Protection from Natural Disasters

Natural disasters such as fires, floods, or earthquakes may also impact local backups. However, cloud backups are in different locations and are safer from disaster risk. This ensures your company’s data remains secure even if your office suffers damage.

3.Scalability

Cloud backup services are highly scalable, so you can easily adjust storage capacity to suit your business needs. So you don’t have to worry about buying  additional hardware or replacing devices when the storage capacity is total. 

4.Automation

Many cloud backup services offer powerful automation. Your data will be backed up regularly without manual intervention, so you can rest assured that the latest data is always safe.

5.Data Security

Cloud backup service providers typically have strict security measures, including data encryption, restricted access, and protection against cyber threats. This makes your data more secure than local backups, which may need more protection.  

Advantages of Local Backup

While cloud backup offers several significant advantages, on-premises backups also have their place in a data backup strategy. Here are some of the benefits of  local backups: 

1.Access Speed

 Local backups can provide faster access to your company’s data, as the data is stored in the exact physical location. A local backup might be a better option if you need to restore data quickly.  

2.Full Control

With local backups, you have complete control over the storage devices and data backup software. You can configure backups according to your company’s needs and can have hardware that fits your business budget. 

3.Security

You have complete control over data security. You can secure physical storage devices with physical and technical security measures by your company’s policies. 

4.Regulatory Compliance

In some industries, there are strict data storage and recovery requirements.  Local backups may comply more with rules requiring data to remain within your company’s control. 

Factors to Consider

When choosing between cloud backup and on-premises backup, there are several factors you should consider:  

• Nature of Your Business: Businesses more centralized in one physical location may be more likely to choose on-premises backups. In contrast, businesses that are more distributed and dependent on data access from anywhere may be better suited to cloud backups.  
• Budget: Take into account your business budget. If you have a limited initial budget,  local backups may be more economical in the short term. While cloud backup can be an option if you can manage subscription costs. 
• Speed and Availability: Consider how vital data recovery speed and data availability are to your business operations. Cloud backup may be more suitable for fast data access from anywhere. 
• Security Needs: Businesses that handle sensitive data may opt for cloud storage because cloud service providers usually have a high level of security. However, companies must still ensure their cloud service providers meet the appropriate security requirements. 
• Geographic Location: The geographical location of your company is also critical. If you’re in an area that is frequently hit by natural disasters, cloud backup may be a safer option. 
• Recovery Needs: How long can you receive downtime in a recovery situation? This is also an important consideration.  Local backups may be faster to restore data, but cloud backups can provide more immediate access to data from different locations. 

Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The decision between cloud backup and on-premises backup should be based on your company’s needs, budget, and the level of security you need. Often, companies find that combining these two options is the most ideal to ensure the reliability and availability of their data. Therefore, before deciding, it is essential to evaluate your business needs first. Regardless of your choice, ensuring that your business data is secure, available, and recoverable in an emergency is most important. Find a cloud backup solution that suits your business now on Vidia Cloud. Protect valuable data and keep your business running smoothly.