1.  No Continuous Backup.

The best online backup services provide real-time backups.  This means that as data changes, those changes are transmitted instantaneously across the Internet to a secure, offsite data storage center.  If your Internet connection goes down, your online backup service can restore data from just moments before the interruption.  With tape-based backup, your last data backup could be several hours old.

2.  No Immediate Data Restoration.

With tape backup, restoring even a simple word-processing file, for example, can take hours.  However, online storage services give you the ability to restore your data within minutes, and total system restorability within hours.  And because your data is stored offsite, you can direct where that data is made available via the Internet, restoring it to any computer anywhere in the world--immediately.

3.  No Automatic Offsite Data Protection.

Those not using an online backup service generally opt to keep their tapes on the premises, exposing them to untold risks: fire, flood, theft, or other disaster.  Others resort to transporting them home each night, further exposing them to outside elements.  Disk-based, real-time online backup and recovery providers use your Internet connection to automatically backup your data offsite, meaning data is stored off the premises minutes after it’s been created.  No matter what type of computer failure may strike, the online service can restore data from just moments before the interruption occurred.

4.  Having to Depend on Tape Reliability.

Statistically, tape data recovery has no greater than a 50% reliability rate.  Human error, defective tapes, software bugs--tapes simply cannot be relied upon.  This means that should the worst case scenario occur, the odds of recovery via tape are no greater than 50-50.  With online backup, however, there is no possibility of either tape fallibility or human error.  Having data stored offsite means no more having to depend on tape integrity. 

5.  No Guaranteed Backup Recovery.

Because online backup and recovery removes the issues inherent to tape-based backup, the more reputable online backup services are able to guarantee the restorability of data.  In any event, always make it a point to enquire if the backup service you’re considering guarantees recovery, before you sign-up.

6.  You’ll Need to Buy, Lease, or Borrow Tape Backup Equipment.

Tapes, tape drives, backup software, plug-ins, and file managers will be part of your personal investment if you opt to use tape instead of offsite disk backup.  And this means having to perform tedious and easy-to-forget daily -- perhaps hourly -- mundane backup tasks.  With an online backup service, there’s no equipment to buy; any investment in hardware is on the part of the online backup service.

7.  No ‘Round the Clock Oversight.

Most reputable online backup services are diligent when it comes to safeguarding your valuable data.  If you experience a data loss emergency, data recovery experts are immediately on hand.  Many services contractually stipulate that the backup process is always being overseen and being performed correctly.

8.  No Adherence to New and Impending Business Regulations.

Whether it be Sarbannes-Oxley, HIPAA, or any of the other regulations that may impact your business, the best online backup services help you comply at no extra charge.  These services typically include:

• Offsite storage, well away from any potential disaster common to your geographic region.
• Transport and storage of data using the highest level of encryption.
• Data access only through password and encryption key.
• Instant access to all records--regardless of time in storage.
• Storage in data centers utilizing the highest electronic and physical security available.

9.  Far Less Free Time.

Anyone who has instituted their own backup process knows that backup and recovery is very time-consuming and tedious at best.  And whether you’re an individual with humble dreams and ambitions or one of many involved in a big business venture, there are certainly more productive ways to use your time.  Automatic, offsite data backup means one less worry and more time to give to expanding your personal and/or business horizons. 

10:  No Competitive Professional Advantage.

For many aspiring entrepreneurs today, your data is the essence of your business.  Continuous, guaranteed access to all your data at any time is an essential element for staying competitive.  Online backup services allow you to respond to client needs quicker, allowing you to be more customer-attentive--and professional.