Frequently asked questions
Q: What if we already have a tape backup system?
Using a tape backup system and an off-site backup system offers the best of both
worlds. Critical files, like billing, customer contact files and databases can be
kept remotely. While the tape system can be used to create a full backup of the entire
system once or twice a month instead of on a daily basis, the tapes and drive will last
longer and require less maintenance. The remote system can provide
a quick and easy way to retrieve critical files and databases without the hassle
of searching through tapes.
Q: What if we already have a Zip drive?
Frankly, we believe that it is not optimal for most users to use a zip or other
removable disk media for backup. Our backup service is completely automated and
has the required file redundancy to protect important data. The only safe way to
use a zip drive for backup is to have three disks and make the same backup three
times. That way when one of the disks fails you are still protected.
Q: How long will a backup take?
Offices with high-speed internet connections should find this service comparable
with tape drives. Dial up users will be able to do incremental backups in thirty
to sixty minutes. The initial backup can take several nights to complete. We recommend
backing up the most important files first and then selecting other files as the
backup progresses. Or, the initial backup can be run over the weekend. Also, we
can come to your office and make the initial backup of your system.
Q: Onsite, Offsite - What's The Difference?
Basically, our backups work like regular tape backups, with one important difference.
Instead of sending backups to a tape drive or other media attached to the computer
being backed up, our backups send encrypted file data over the internet to a computer
file storage system safely off-site.
This usually happens at night while your business is closed and nobody is using
the computers. It's completely automatic. In fact, you may forget it's working every
night.
Q: Why Are offsite backups considered more beneficial?
The data is immediately stored off-site using an automated backup system. Also,
only an internet connection is needed. Completely eliminating the need for expensive
backup equipment and media. And, since the system is automated, manual labor is
eliminated.
Q: How secure are my backups?
Very. All files are encrypted using Blowfish or DES encryption which is selected
by the user with their own personal encryption code which is only known by the user
of the system. Blowfish encryption has never been broken by a hacker. DES is used
by the federal banking system.
Q: What is encryption?
Encryption is basically a mathematical formula that scrambles a data file. And the
only way to unscramble it is with the encryption code