How to Smoothly Transition Your Business to Cloud Backup

Once upon a time, the best method of backing up data was on a computer’s internal hard drive. As technology advanced, external hard drives became the most common method of backing up this data. However, in the modern era, the best way to secure data is by using the cloud. There are many benefits to making the transition to the cloud, including offsite storage, accessibility from anywhere, virtually limitless capacity and improved security. Keep these points in mind before your business begins using cloud backups to ensure that the transition goes smoothly.
Cloud Space is Important

It is essential that you do your research before you choose a cloud provider. You will want to make sure that you find a provider that has the server capacity to meet not only your current needs, but also your future needs as your business grows.

Organize, Organize, Organize

Before you transition, do a little spring cleaning. If you move all of your files and data in bulk, without any planning or organization, you might end up spending more time sorting through it all later then it took you to transition it in the first place. Instead, take the time in advance to organize files to not only help ensure that the transition goes smoothly, but also to make accessing the files once they are moved simpler and easier.

Back Up Everything

This point cannot be overemphasized. Remember Murphy’s Law — anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. To keep the transition smooth, create a secondary backup of everything on-site, just in case certain files do not get moved or are accidentally deleted during the transition. Plus, saving to the cloud is a concept that some people are still trying to wrap their head around. Holding onto an additional backup, at least initially, can provide peace of mind for those still getting used to the idea of the cloud.

Transition in Steps

Break the transition to the cloud down into small sections or steps. This will give you time to get used to the new method of storage and will also let you try it out before making a 100 percent commitment. If the first step of the transition goes well, then take the next until the transition is complete.

Security Advantages

Improved security is considered by many to be the biggest advantage of cloud backups over traditional backups. Transitioning to the cloud negates a physical security threat to your data. In addition, virtual storage on the cloud features advanced network security that guards against possible breaks in security, protecting your data.

Dealing with BYOD Policies

As more people use their own tablets and laptops at work, setting up a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy can be a good idea. Cloud backups have the advantage of making important data accessible from any device. It is a good idea to password-protect data accessed in the cloud, and possibly to set up a remote wipe feature as well, to prevent a breach in security or loss of data.

The cloud is the future of data storage. Change can often be uncomfortable, but in this case — as in many in the business world — dealing with it head on can give you an advantage in the long run. Consider making the transition to cloud backups; you’ll be glad you did.

Kay Ackerman is a self-proclaimed tech geek and freelance writer, focusing on business technology, innovative marketing strategies, and small business. She contributes to www.technected.com and you can also find her on Twitter.