WHAT IS A GOOD BACKUP SOLUTION?
When it comes to protecting your business data, a layered approach is essential. Industry experts recommend following the 3-2-1 backup rule: keep at least three copies of your data, stored on two different types of local devices, with at least one copy securely stored off-site. For most businesses, this means data on your computer or server, a secondary copy on an external drive or NAS, and a third backup in the cloud.
But simply having a backup is not enough. Backups must be monitored daily to confirm they are running as expected and tested regularly to ensure files can be restored when needed. Too often, businesses assume their backups are reliable—only to discover failures when it’s too late. In addition, every business should have a data retention policy that defines how long backups are kept, while also meeting legal, compliance, or industry-specific requirements.
At TMD Technology Services, we go beyond just “setting it and forgetting it.” As part of our managed IT services, we monitor your backups every day and test recoveries to confirm everything is working properly. Whether it’s recovering a single lost file or restoring a full server image after a disaster, we ensure your data is always available and recoverable when you need it most.
BACKUP TYPES & DESTINATIONS
Once you’ve selected your backup destinations and set retention times, the next step is deciding what to back up and how often. Every business is different, and your backup needs should align with how your systems are used.
Do you need full backups with complete system images to ensure you can restore your server exactly as it was, including the operating system and applications?
Is backing up just file data sufficient for your business operations?
Do you run databases or applications like QuickBooks or SQL that require specialized backup methods to ensure data integrity?
Are incremental or differential backups acceptable to reduce storage space and speed up backup windows?
In most cases, we recommend at least daily backups, but for critical servers and applications, a layered backup strategy works best. This typically includes a mix of full, incremental, and differential backups, providing multiple recovery points throughout the day. This ensures that no matter when an issue occurs—whether it’s accidental file deletion, corruption, or a system failure—you have multiple restore options available.
At TMD Technology Services, we’ll work with you to assess your systems and determine the right mix of backup types, schedules, and retention policies. Our goal is to ensure your data and applications are always protected while giving you flexibility, speed, and peace of mind when recovery is needed.
Local Backups
Local backup is a common choice for small and medium-sized businesses because it’s simple and cost-effective. Using an external hard drive or a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device, your files and system images can be stored directly on your network. This provides quick access to your backups and is an excellent first step in protecting your business from hardware failures or accidental data loss.
Cloud Backup
At TMD Technology Services, we believe every business should have the peace of mind that comes with secure, reliable backups. While local backups are important, they can still be vulnerable to hardware failure, theft, or ransomware. By adding cloud backup, your files, applications, and even full system images are stored safely offsite and can be quickly recovered from anywhere. This added layer of protection ensures your business can continue running smoothly, even in the face of unexpected events. Cloud backup is one of the simplest and most effective ways to safeguard your data and maintain business continuity.
Cloud-to-Cloud
Cloud-to-Cloud (C2C) backup is designed to protect your cloud services, such as Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. It allows you to set retention periods and ensures your data is safeguarded against accidental or malicious deletion. While Microsoft and Google provide limited file restoration, these built-in tools are not true backup solutions. A C2C backup ensures your email, files, and collaboration data remain secure, recoverable, and compliant when you need them most.
Shadow Copies
Shadow copies create point-in-time “file history” snapshots that allow you to quickly restore files that may have been accidentally edited or deleted. While this is a convenient option for businesses, it’s important to note that shadow copies are not a true backup solution since the data usually resides on the same storage media. However, when combined with other backup methods, shadow copies can provide an extra layer of protection and fast recovery for everyday mishaps.
WHY CHOOSE TMD TECHNOLOGY SERVICES?
- We have the tools and experience to help mitigate data loss through a layered approach to backups.
- Fast and friendly support staff ready to assist.
- Local onsite & remote helpdesk support options available.
- No long-term contracts! Our Managed IT contracts are easy to understand and scale easily to meet your needs.
- We take away the worry and frustration of dealing with your company backups.
TESTIMONIALS
