How Can Remote Server Services & Data Backup Services Help Your Shipping Company?
You may be considering the use of remote server services or data backup services for your shipping company. The fact is that with today’s ever changing business world, it pays to document all the important processes within your company. Not only that, it also pays to keep records and archives of those documentations. That’s where the use of a remote backup server comes in handy.
What Is Involved With Using A Remote Server Service?
A remote server service or a data backup service is a company that provides your business with a system to back up and store your computer files. The services online are usually built around your shipping company’s software needs. They typically will run on a schedule, once or twice a day. The backup is done usually at night, during non-working hours. All data and files are gathered, compressed, and then safely encrypted. Next, they are transferred to a remote server, away from the shipping building, for backup.
Features & Requirements for Shipping Companies Using These Services
There are several features to consider when using data backup services.
Many shipping businesses need backups of their servers, as well as the databases that are on the servers. This includes open files, system state, Active Directory, SQL Server, and MS Exchange.
Retaining of multiple versions of files at various points during development in order to enable a restoration point.
Shipping businesses that may require a service that is able to provide diverse file retention policies.
Costs Associated With Remote Server Services
There are many different factors involved when considering the cost of using these remote services. A few changes in factors and the price could go up or down drastically. Let’s consider a few factors:
The total amount of files and data that is going to be retained.
The number of computer systems that are covered by the services package.
The maximum amount of different versions of each file backed up.
Archiving periods
Data retention options.
The level of service provided.
The amount of features available.
Managed backup services vs. Unmanaged backup services.
While some providers will put a limit to the number of versions of a particular file that can be backed up in the system, others will not have any restrictions and will provide unlimited benefits. Some providers also include added features, such as backing up locked files and open files. Usually, though, there will be extra charges for this feature. Many of the remote services companies will reduce the total amount of files and data that is transmitted to their servers by only backing up files that have been changed.
Advantages of Data Backup Services
There are many advantages to using remote server services and data backup services. One of the most important advantages of using these kinds of services is that the backup is instant. You do not have to hire an additional team of employees to back up your files. In addition, there are no CD’s or bulky tapes to use. With the remote server services, user intervention is completely eliminated. Another added benefit of using data backup services is that there is no limit to the data retention. Do you want to save all your system backups for three years? Five years? Ten years? It does not matter.
Backups are automatic and can be set for daily backup or for continuous backup throughout the day. With this kind of service, all of the correct files get backed up automatically. This is drastically different than with ordinary backup software that usually installs a list of files that need to be backed up. This list of files only represents the state of the system at the time of software installation and tends to miss files that are added at a later time.
In conclusion, the advantages of using remote server services outweigh the advantages of not using such services. The economy and the shipping industry are changing so fast, and it is bound to get worse. The more documentation you have of all your company’s dealings, and the longer you can archive that documentation, the better off you will be. Data backup services and remote server services can definitely are not just a modern convenience, but also a must-have investment for any successful shipping company.
