Data Backup

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Data-backup is one of the most important functions that any computer user will ever perform. There is the old saying that "nothing is as certain and as death and taxes". We believe that hard drive failure should be added to the list. Some hard drives can last up to 10 years, while others last only a couple of weeks. Still, there are a substantial number of users out there who have the "it will never happen to me" attitude. We offer backup systems that are automatic, user-friendly and reliable.

Automatic Backup Systems - Systems that are set to backup all your data automatically. Our automatic backup system can be set to backup locally (i.e to backup drives in your office and online to a trusted and secure source.)

Hard Disk Cloning / Programs Backup - Hard disk cloning means you we make an exact carbon copy (or clone) of your hard drive(s). The major benefit of hard drive cloning is that all your data gets backed along with your programs. Therefore, if your system contains a number of programs which you do not want to lose - hard disk cloning can back them up.

Hard disk cloning is an ideal solution if your hard drive is failing and you are returning the drive to the manufacturer for a warranty replacement.

Email Archiving - If your Outlook data file exceeds the operating size as recommended by Microsoft, there is a serious risk that your Outlook data file containing all your emails and contacts will go corrupt. To prevent this, we recommend you archive your old emails at least every 6 months. Hoarders of old emails that are 2 to 3 years old, take note! Old emails should always be archived properly.

Benefits of Email Archiving

Email archiving enables you to find old emails quickly and easily. No-more wasted time in wading through old emails or attachments.

Cleans up your existing MS Exchange / Outlook folders. This means there is less clutter.

MS Exchange / Outlook will operate quicker and will less strain. A .pst file that exceeds capacity will be slow to open and to access.

The biggest mistakes small businesses make with backup systems include;

  1. Backup files not verified - Its all very well having a sophisticated backup system in place but if the backup set is not verified your system could be backing up only "some" of your data and not all of your data. For example, having your "My Documents" folder backed up but not your accounts package data could be a catastrophic mistake. Don't assume your backup system is backing up, verify your backups frequently.

  1. Backup intervals not spaced far enough apart - Your backup set should be spaced apart. Let's assume your back-up system is set to backup on a Friday evening at 8pm. If your payroll accounts data goes corrupt on (unbeknownst to you) on a Friday afternoon, well the backup system will only backup the corrupt files overwriting the old (good) one. A good backup strategy will allow for eventualities like this.

  1. Backup files only in one location - You should have your backup data in at least two different locations. Fire, flood, theft happens and online backup companies go into liquidation. Expect the unexpected.