December 15, 2017 | eX3webdev There are 3 main reasons why cloud backups are a necessity for small business. First, the cost of data storage has dropped significantly over the past couple of years and the associated backup services are relatively inexpensive. For example, our preferred backup provider, Code42’s Crashplan, charges $10/month to backup one server with unlimited data storage. That is a bargain! The second reason is that cloud backups provide unparalleled protection against Ransomware and other data corruption at the local level. Cloud backups are offsite and encrypted which will facilitate confident recovery from potential disasters. The third reason for cloud backups is the recovery time for single server outage. With cloud backups, you can start immediate data recovery procedures, to any computer – anywhere you have internet access. In a single server environment with local backups only, you will be delayed a few days due to the time it takes to procure a new server. Once you have a new server, you will be able to install the local backup software, catalog the existing backups and cross your fingers for a successful recovery. Again, cloud backups will allow you to access needed data immediately. We have experienced single server disasters and the effects of Ransomeware and it can be debilitating and destructive. Cloud backups have become a mandatory small business service which adds another critical level of security and disaster preparedness. Local backups are convenient and should remain intact although adding cloud backups will complete your business’s protection.