Back up or face the consequences
It is true that data loss is becoming far too prevalent and the need to back up data is not only applicable to businesses, but also private consumers (It is best to plan for the worst, letters.computing .co.uk).
Our reliance on the numerous forms of technology we use every day means we are unwittingly exposing ourselves to losing valuable personal and private information as never before.
Take mobiles, for example. We store so much information on our phones, yet we do not see the need to make sure these are safe should the phone be lost or stolen.
The prevalence of this issue explains the emergence of numerous services that allow users to back up
mobile content, such as pictures, videos and texts, with ease. Data backup will soon become the norm as consumers and businesses begin to understand the inconvenience associated with data loss. It is simple, yet so many people do not even consider it.
Johan Rock
Johan Rock is absolutely right that backups are still the one of the least appreciated aspects of IT, until in many cases, it is too late!
I still come across businesses that seem so cavalier with their own data, it's a wonder to how that stay in business - unfortunately many don't after a serious event like a fire or flood!
What I find even more amazing are the companies that spend large amounts of money on exotic backup architectures, but never find time to actually test a restore their backups!
Many home PC users are just as much in the dark about backups, which is surprising when just about every PC that is sold has a RW device and with free (albeit basic) backup software available on the Internet it could not be easier.
It's even more amazing when you think that 8GB memory sticks are now available for under £50.00; less than it now takes to fill the average family car with petrol!
Posted by: Mike McNamara | Friday, 21 March 2008 at 04:25 PM