Data is one of the most valuable digital assets a business can have. Almost every modern-day business generates, gathers, and stores data. In its raw form, data may seem overwhelming, but thanks to modern data science and analysis techniques, actionable information can be derived from it. The information is then used to help leaders and managers make more informed business decisions. And no business can afford to leave something that valuable unprotected and without contingencies in place.
Why Businesses Need Good Data Backup and Recovery Services
Data-backed decisions mitigate the risk of disaster, helping businesses make better and more effective choices in nearly every business function, from production to dealing with a staffing agency. The most valuable aspect of data is that it can help businesses make the right moves based on machine learning, AI, and data science.
In other words, without data, a business is essentially flying blind in the modern commercial landscape. Therefore, it makes sense for every business to protect and safeguard this data. Specifically, by using data backup and recovery services. If you don’t already have such services, here are a few compelling reasons why you might want to remedy that:
There Is No Such Thing As Fool-Proof Technology
As humans, it is fairly easy to be amazed at the sophistication and complexity of modern technology. And rightfully so. But sophistication is not an automatic certificate for infallibility. Like humans, present-day machines are not perfect (even though we like to think they are). Hardware can malfunction, servers can crash, security software can fail. Most businesses tend to hang on to legacy technology for as long as possible to minimize their spending. This only increases the risk of systems failing, and in many cases, this can result in a loss of business data. Without adequate backup and recovery in your arsenal, this loss could well turn out to be irrecoverable.
Human Errors and Mistakes Will Always Happen
Businesses demand a lot from their employees these days. But the best managers still understand that a worker is only human after all. Perfection isn’t exactly what we are known for. So it is short-sighted to expect your employees will not make mistakes and errors that compromise data integrity. A strong backup and recovery service should give you the necessary cushion to be able to rectify these mistakes before they turn into bigger problems. Backups and recovery processes make sure your data stays intact and accurate.
There Is No Defense Against Natural Disasters
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a gruesome display of how, despite all our progress, humans can often be helpless in the face of nature’s primal forces. A lesson in humility for even the greatest nations in the world is also a learning experience for most businesses. While COVID-19 is a disease outbreak that turned into a global health crisis, there are many other ways nature can harm business functions. From earthquakes to tornados to floods, there can often be no way to predict many natural disasters until it is too late. Relying on your in-house measures to offer sufficient protection is both arrogant and foolhardy. A disaster could very well take out your hardware and software systems. But a cloud-based or offshore data backup and recovery location could have you back up and running much faster.
Data Security and Confidentiality Is A Key Business Advantage
Modern businesses compete with each other in every conceivable way. That is just how business is done these days. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of brands competing for a larger piece of the same industry, market, or niche. As a result, they will do everything they can to stand out. Strong data security is a given with good backup and recovery sources. It can be used as a key selling point to help assure customers their data is much safer with you than their competitors. Remember, digital consumers take their data privacy very seriously, and an irreparable breach could damage your brand credibility as well.
Cybercriminals and Dishonest Employees Are Always A Risk
Despite your best security efforts and contingency plans, the risks never really go away. Cybercriminals target businesses of all shapes and sizes, only concerned with gaining access to and compromising crucial data. This data can be used for fraud, ransom, or simply to discredit a specific business. Dishonest employees are another security risk that can often walk right under your security radar. In both cases, you can expect people will continue to try and steal data from you for less-than-honest purposes. At the very least, a backup and recovery service ensures data isn’t permanently lost or tampered with.