Person typing on their computer with social icons floating out

How to Build a Backup Strategy for Your Small Business

/in , /by

There’s nothing as painful as working on an important file only to lose it when a computer crashes. But what would happen if this occurred to an entire business? That’s why it’s vital to build a backup strategy for a small business to prevent major losses in the future.

Common Storage Solutions

There are many common storage solutions for backing up business data, each with different properties. Many businesses opt for online storage in the Cloud by hiring an outside company for “space” in their online backup system. Other forms of storage include direct attached storage systems that connect directly to a PC or server; network attached storage which connects directly to a network, or even opting for DVD or Blu-ray discs to backup data.

What to Backup

Any data, information, or intellectual property that is vital to keeping the business running should be regularly backed up. In addition to current projects, this includes financial records, customer records, tax forms, etc. Many experts also recommend this data be encrypted to increase security for your business and prevent data theft or fraud. Once backed up, these files should be regularly updated as well.

How Often to Backup

At the very minimum, backups should happen whenever the backed up data changes. For some businesses, this may be a weekly or monthly routine, but for others, it could be daily. Luckily, many backup systems can automatically update and change new information on a regular basis.

Doubling Up

Most experts recommend that backups be performed twice for all important data. Businesses should make two full copies of every backup, and these copies should be stored on separate physical devices. This way, if something ever happens to one backup, there is another that will be unaffected. In this case, these backups should be routinely rotated to make sure that they are both kept up to date and receive the same amount of attention.

Tripling Up

Businesses can “triple up” by keeping one local copy for primary, day-to-day access, one local backup, and one backup that is stored securely offsite, preventing a loss should something occur onsite. An offsite backup can also make office moves and cabling more efficient since the company can run with the offsite backup during the interim. Ultimately, any hardware can wear down and break over time, so if the backups are kept on external hardware, the hardware itself should be updated and replaced regularly to prevent any data loss.

At KyndL Corporation, we understand the importance of making sure data is safe, secure, and backed up. To find out how we can help you, give us a call at 978-564-1990 or browse our IT services.

Customer Spotlight: Environmental company turns to Boston-area IT firm, KyndL

/in , /by

One of our clients – a Waltham, Massachusetts company provides real solutions to unique environmental challenges. Their team of scientists and engineers combine technical expertise with a comprehensive understanding of environmental regulations, technologies, and strategies. As with any organization, their dedicated IT and system software is essential to keep their business up and running, so that they can focus on addressing environment issues, like air-quality-related concerns: ensuring that their clients enjoy safety, comfort, and peace of mind.

Prior to KyndL, this organizaiton had worked with another local Information Technology and services company to help with their online security, monitoring, and IT maintenance. Initially the IT services were fine. However, once the IT vendor was acquired by a large IT company, they started to have concerns. The main issue: the new company wouldn’t honor their previous IT contract. At this point, the environmental company decided to look for another Boston-area IT firm: they turned to KyndL.

KyndL was able to provide a free IT assessment where they discovered that the company was not only greatly overpaying for services they didn’t need, but also they were not being properly serviced. KyndL then identified exactly what IT services the company needed, tailored a customized IT plan for the business, and agreed on a services agreement that would adequately service their company’s needs at the right price.

Are you a Boston-area company in a similar situation, frustrated with the level of service your IT company is providing you? Want to know if your existing IT support contract fits the needs of your business? Please contact us to receive a complimentary IT assessment. (It’s a $1,000 value.)

You may find that the service you have is exactly what you need. Or, you may find that you have a more complex IT system than your company requires. Either way the assessment is free, so there is no downside to learning more.