Off-Dite Backups, Backup Vendors, Data Security, Vendor Trust, On-Line Backups

On-Line Backup Services

04/06/10 13:27 Filed in: Security

I have ben getting a lot of calls about on-line backup services. Frankly the concept gives me the willies. If you are considering an off-site backup solution, please give us a call 503-356-9101.

Here is a list of additional questions you might want to ask before taking the On-Line Services plunge:

Are employees subject to regular background checks?
What is their drug policy enforcement?
When was the last time their product ben verified by a credible outside party?
How are the facilities provisioned?
Do they offer de-duping technology?

If you are already using an On-Line Backup Service, you may want to add some of these steps into your admin calendar:

Check the raw backup logs to be sure there are no errors.
Try to restore a file and directory. Compare results with the data you have in house.
Put a network probe on the remote service so you can monitor performance and reliability.

Finally there is the issue of perception. Can you tell your clients, with certainty, that their data is safe?

UPDATE:
I am compiling a list of reputable providers. They will be interviewed and the results posted here.