FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
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General
What is off site backup?
It is a fully automated service that allows you to select all important company data stored on your servers or PC’s to be uploaded via your internet connection to secure servers at a location away from your business premises and at a time most convenient to you. It is a cost effective and more reliable alternative to performing data backups in house.
What are the benefits of off site data backup over conventional methods?
- The service is hardware independent therefore no obsolescence. If your present tape/disk drive fails you would have to replace it with an identical unit if your existing tapes were to be used. If this type of drive is no longer available your tapes are of no use whatsoever. In addition if you upgrade your server you do not need to purchase a backup drive.
- It is performed 365 days per year
- No back-up media to be relied upon. Backup tapes should be renewed every six months as they can stretch and become damaged during use and transmission.
- No dependency on a member of staff remembering to change the tapes on a daily basis and remove from site for safe keeping. No concerns over holiday/sickness cover.
- Fully automated – electronic solution – reliable modem technology and communications reduce the risk of error or oversight.
- Data is stored off site fully encrypted and password protected.
Has the SDSL off site backup technology being proven?
The offsite backup software has been in use since 1999.
More information on the history of our offsite backup software
How does it work?
A small software program is installed on the server or PC that holds your data. The system is then set to connect to our remote servers via your Internet connection (normally during the night) and upload your selected data files. This data is fully encrypted and password protected so only personnel with authorisation or passwords, can access it. It is then stored remotely on our servers. Manual backups can also be performed at any time by the client.
Is knowledge necessary in order to perform off site data backup?
- User familiar explorer-liked interfaces
- Wizard guided backup setting
- No training or extensive IT knowledge necessary
- Scheduled backup allows server/PC to be backed up automatically
- “Backup and Shutdown” feature allows users to backup their desktops / notebooks easily without having to stay behind
Will off site backup work on my computer?
Offsite backup supports all major computer platforms including Microsoft Windows (from 95 to Vista), Apple Mac Osx and Novell Netware.
Will off site backup work from our applications?
Offsite backup supports all file types in addition to supporting Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Exchange Server and MySQL.
Will I receive reports concerning my off site back up?
Offsite backup provides comprehensive email reporting.
Are multiple versions of data stored?
Any backed up version of data can be retrieved.
When can I access backup files?
Access backup files anytime, anywhere.
Security
Is off site data backup secure?
All selected data is encrypted on the client’s machine prior to being sent across the Internet and it is stored in it’s encrypted state on our servers
Is my data secure before it leaves my computer?
All data and files are fully encrypted before they leave your computer or network.
Is my data stored securly?
Is my data duplicated?
Backups are replicated across multiple servers for added protection.
Support
Are my backups monitored for errors?
We monitor all backup reports on a daily basis.