subject: Understanding The Importance Of Backing Up Your Small Business Data [print this page] Everyones heard horror stories about small business data being lost, but not everyone has done anything about it. It is extremely important when you use a comput-er; you need to back it up. Why you ask? Isnt all of my information on my hard drive? That may be true, but if your entire computer is destroyed in a disaster, that hard drive will be gone as well. Others believe their information is stored on Excel or Word, and again, not true.
You need to understand where your information is stored. If it is within your computer, thats not good enough. What happens when your computer is stolen or lost in a flood or fire? Its lost, gone, period.
The best bet for a small business is to save the data on a CD or DVD. After its saved, then dont throw it into a drawer on your desk and think youre safe. Youre not. You need to store the CD someplace else and make sure its far away from your computer.
A bank safety deposit would work if you took the time to back your computer up regularly, and then take it to the bank. That would probably be too much trouble and who has that much time to run to the bank every day? When you consider how long it will take you to set up your computer from start, a few minutes every time you pass your bank would be worth it.
Flash drives are now cheap and easy to use. As long as you dont keep it by your computer it should be fine. Find a place where you can store the flash drive in a safe dry spot and dont store it in the drawer in your office. And youll say, But at least Ill have it if my computer crashes. Maybe, but why take chances and its not IF, but WHEN.
There are businesses online that will help you save your information, and be cautious if you choose to go that route, because youll be handing ALL of your information to a total stranger. Choose one who will encourage you to check their references before giving them anything.
Some advise small businesses to preserve their data by utilizing many locations, in which to store them both physically and electronically would be wise. Just get yourself into the habit of regularly backing up your computer. Large businesses normally back their main computers up every day after the business closes. It wouldnt hurt if small businesses would do the same thing.
One more piece of advice, label all of your backup CDs and flash drives, be-cause
