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What is Cloud Backup? A Complete Guide

The cloud is a network of remote servers accessed via the internet. These servers store and process data, which can be accessed by users from anywhere in the world.

The cloud has been around for over a decade but has only become widely adopted in recent years. This is partly due to the increasing availability of high-speed internet connections and the declining cost of storage and computing resources.

The cloud offers several advantages over traditional on-premise data storage and processing solutions, making them more popular in recent years. There are different types of cloud backups and pros and cons to consider when choosing a cloud platform. In this article, we’ll discuss what cloud backups are, the different types of cloud backups, if cloud backups are safe, and more.

What is Cloud Backup, and How Does It Work?

There are many different types of backups that you can perform on your computer. One of the most popular and effective ways to backup data is to use a cloud backup service. Cloud backup services allow you to store your information off-site in a secure location, accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

Cloud backup services work by copying the files from your computer to their servers. The files are then compressed and encrypted for security before being stored on the server. When you need to access your backed-up files, you can do so from any internet-connected device.

Types of Cloud Backups

It is vital to have a NetBackup system in case something happens, such as a system crash or to control against cyber threats. If everything in your system gets lost, it is almost impossible to restore your information if there is no backup system to store the data input. When it comes to cloud backups, there are three different types: full backups, incremental backups, and differential backups. (Read RTO and RPO for more information)

Full Backups

A full backup is a copy of all the data on a specific day. This type of backup to the cloud can be used to restore everything if something goes wrong. The downside to this type of backup is that it can take up a lot of storage space, which can be costly. These backups are performed weekly within the system.

Incremental Backups

An incremental backup on the cloud only copies data that has been changed since the last backup. This type of backup is more efficient in terms of storage because it doesn't copy data that hasn't been altered. The downside to this type of backup on the cloud is that it can take longer to restore everything because each incremental backup has to be applied in order. These are performed daily.

Differential Backups

A differential backup in the cloud copies all the data that has been changed since the last full backup. This type of backup is more efficient than a full backup in terms of storage because it doesn't copy data that hasn't been altered. The downside to this type of backup in the cloud is that it can take longer to restore everything because each differential backup must be applied in order. Like the incremental backups, these are also performed daily.

Benefits of Using Cloud Backup

There are many benefits to using cloud backup services, including the fact that it allows supervision in the cloud to cut back on IT costs. Some of these benefits include:

1. User-Friendly

One of the most significant benefits of using cloud backup is that it's user-friendly. Services make it easy to back up data with just a few clicks. There is no need to install any software or hardware, and users can access their backups from anywhere with an internet connection.

2. Accessible

Another significant benefit of cloud backup is its accessibility. Users can access their backups from any device with an internet connection, which means they can view and restore files from a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. This is especially useful for businesses that need to be able to access data from multiple locations.

3. Secure

Cloud backup is also secure, as data is stored on servers that are typically well-protected from hackers and other threats. In addition, most cloud backup services offer encryption options to further protect data.

4. Cost-Effective and Reliable

Finally, cloud backup is cost-effective and reliable. Services like iCloud and Dropbox offer free plans for primary users, and paid plans are typically very affordable. In addition, cloud backup services are reliable, with few outages or disruptions that can impact workflow.

Potential Cons to Cloud Backup

While there are many benefits to cloud backup, there are also several cons to consider, such as:

1. Slower Speed

One potential downside to cloud backup is that it can operate at a slower speed. This is because the data must be uploaded to the cloud server, which can take time. Additionally, if you need to restore your data from the cloud, slow speeds can take a long time to download, which can impact productivity.

2. Can Be Expensive

Another potential downside to cloud backup is that it can be expensive. This is because you typically have to pay for storage space on the cloud server. Additionally, if you need to download a lot of data from the cloud, you may also have to pay for bandwidth usage.

3. Lack of Control

A final downside to cloud backup is that you have less control over your data. This is because it is stored on a server you do not own or operate. Additionally, if you need to restore your data from the cloud, you may have to go through the provider's process, which could take a long time.

Is Cloud Backup Safe?

When it comes to backing up your data, you have a lot of options to choose from. You can back up your data locally, to an external hard drive, or to the cloud. While cloud backup has become a popular option recently, is it safe?

The short answer is yes; it is entirely safe to use. Cloud backup can be a safe and secure way to store your data, but it's essential to do your research and choose a reputable service. Here are some things to consider when deciding if cloud backup is suitable for you:

1. Encryption

Encryption is one of the most important things to look for in a cloud backup service. Make sure that the service you choose offers both server-side and client-side encryption. This ensures that your data is safe and secure and that only you can access it.

2. Location

Another factor to consider is where your data will be stored. Some services store data in multiple locations, which can be beneficial if one location is compromised.

3. Backup Frequency

How often your data is backed up is also essential. Some services only back up data daily, while others do it in real-time. Choose a service that meets your needs in terms of backup frequency.

4. Support

If you have any problems with your cloud backup service, it's essential to have access to customer support. Make sure that the service you choose offers 24/7 support so that you can always get help when needed.

5. Pricing

Pricing is also an important consideration when choosing a cloud backup service. Make sure to compare prices and select a service that fits your budget.

(Read more about cloud compliance and regulatory compliance, GDPR, CPRA, PCI, FedRAMP for more information on cloud security.)

Cloud Storage vs. Backup

Now that you know more about cloud backup, you might be wondering how it differs from cloud storage. Cloud storage is a service that allows you to store files and data in the cloud. This can be useful if you need to access your data from multiple devices or share it with others. However, it's important to note that cloud storage is not a backup solution. This is because it does not provide any protection against data loss. If you delete a file from your cloud storage account, it will be gone forever.

Cloud backup, on the other hand, is designed specifically for backing up data. This means that it protects against data loss and makes it easy to restore your data if something goes wrong. Additionally, most cloud backup services offer encryption and versioning, which further protects your data.

So, which one is better? It depends on your needs. Cloud storage might be a good option if you're looking for a way to store files and access them from multiple devices. However, cloud backup is the better choice if you're looking for a way to protect your data in a disaster recovery scenario, ransomware, malware, data breach or other disaster situation.

Hybrid Cloud

Hybrid cloud backup is a combination of local and cloud backup. This means that your data is backed up locally to an external hard drive or other storage devices in the cloud.

There are several benefits to using hybrid cloud backup:

  • First, it provides protection against data loss if your local backup fails.

  • Second, it can be faster than cloud backup alone since your data is being backed up to multiple locations simultaneously.

  • Finally, it gives you more control over your data since you can choose which files to back up locally and which to back up to the cloud.

When Cloud Backup is Right for You

There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to choosing the best backup solution for your business. But one of the most important is whether or not you should be backing up to the cloud.

With cloud backup, your backups are typically done automatically. That means you don't have to remember to run them manually, saving you time and hassle.

Veritas Cloud Backup is an excellent option for businesses that need to back up their data to the cloud. With Veritas Cloud Backup, you get the convenience of automatic backups, the flexibility to choose the storage you need, and the peace of mind of knowing your data is protected. It is the ultimate package all in one.



Veritas customers include 95% of the Fortune 100, and NetBackup™ is the #1 choice for enterprises looking to back up large amounts of data.

 

Learn how Veritas keeps your data fully protected across virtual, physical, cloud and legacy workloads with Data Protection Services for Enterprise Businesses.

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