Is Your Data Redundant?

“Redundancy” isn’t typically viewed as a good thing, but when a disaster strikes, it can become a good thing very quickly to have a redundant copy of your data. March 31st is World Backup Day so let’s take a moment and examine why a certain amount of data redundancy is actually welcomed. 

When so much that has to do with business today revolves around the idea of efficiency and streamlining everything, it does seem odd that we would endorse anything described as “redundant.” However, it is important to realize that redundancy with a purpose is somewhat different. Consider the 3-2-1 Rule.

The 3-2-1 Rule of Data Backup

One of the common best practices recommended by IT professionals, the 3-2-1 Rule demands that there should be three copies of all of your data, including two backup copies, one of which is stored offsite. Why the additional (arguably redundant) offsite backup?

Well, what happens if the disaster that took out your original copy also took out the backup you had on hand? If a fire broke out and burned your business (and everything inside) to ashes, or a storm reduced it to so much rubble, utterly destroying any and all electronics? Maybe a thief breaks in and takes everything, including both the hardware storing your original and the hardware storing the backup.

Hence, the offsite copy, backing up your backup.

Why Backup Matters Now

Unfortunately, current events have only made it even more clear why the backup is more important now than ever. As businesses have had to close or turn to remote operations in light of the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus infection that has been wreaking havoc, there has been an unfortunate uptick in crime against businesses. What if the disaster that takes your data is literally someone taking your hard drives as described above, or even just vandalising them? You want your data stored safely elsewhere to prevent it from being lost in such an event.

Of course, if you have your backup copy (or really, copies) stored in the cloud, you stand to see double the benefit in this particular situation. Not only is your data safe, your team could access it to work from home if they were to be stuck there.

Of course, we don’t hope that any of this happens to anyone. However, we aren’t going to assume that it won’t, either. That’s why we subscribe to the 3-2-1 Rule, and so should you.

We can help you do that. Reach out to Ferrum Technology Services today to learn more about business data backups, and the other benefits that working with us can bring. Give us a call at (847) 697-3282.