Picking the Best Data Backup Solution for Your Small Business

The first thing you may be wondering is, "Do I need online backup?" In my opinion the answer is invariably "yes!"

For both your business as well as your own computer, the cost of online backup is relatively inexpensive -- particularly compared to the cost and frustration of lost business data.

Making Sense of Your Data-Backup Choices

As you might expect, there are dozens of online data backup solutions on the market with a wide range of functionality.  We have identified some of the top choices in online backup in Comparz's Top 5 Backup Solutions including expert and user reviews.

But what matters most is understanding what online backup means in light of your unique business requirements. For that reason, we have also published an Online Backup Solution Decision Guide, which describes what you should consider when selecting an online backup solution and describes key features and functions of such solutions.

The range of services seems to depend on whether you focus on price, customer service, or the actual backup method (which ranges from continuous backup of everything on your machine to selecting particular documents or folders to backup). A few key features to look for include the presence of collaboration tools; the ability to access your documents on any device, including various mobile devices; and most importantly, the availability of reliable, easy-to-use options for restoring your data. After all, that's what you are paying for.

Focus on Service and Support -- Not on Price

Online backup vendors charge for their services based on the total amount of data being backed up or the number of machines that require backup. Pricing does vary, but not that wildly. Since the category is so competitive, pricing shouldn't be front of mind when you compare solutions.

Support, on the other hand, makes a difference. Carefully evaluate potential candidates based on the amount and type of help that is available if you need it, both in terms of initial setup and ongoing technical support.

Some vendors don't provide live support, focusing instead on online self-support tools. If you are a basic user and need some hand-holding, make sure you can get live support when you need it.

To learn more, read the Comparz Online Data Backup Decision Guide.  As online storage becomes cheaper and cheaper and more and more business adopt the cloud-computing model to store their data online, it will be important to stay up to date on Online Backup solutions.