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Unveiling the Data Dilemma: Backup vs. Archiving Solutions

By Carbonite / 2023-11-28 / Topics : DataManagement , BackupSolutions , TechDecisions , DataSecurity

Navigating the Depths of Data Management for Your Business

Choosing between backup and archiving solutions for your business can be a daunting task. Understanding the distinctions between the two is crucial in making an informed decision that aligns with your organization's needs. In this article, we delve into the disparities between backup and archiving, shedding light on when each is most beneficial. Additionally, we provide a straightforward method to assist you in determining which solution is optimal for your business.

To simplify, backups are designed for recovery, while archiving is geared towards discovery.

Both backup and archiving solutions offer unique advantages. Backups excel at safeguarding frequently updated and accessed business-critical items from malicious attacks and inadvertent deletions. On the other hand, archiving proves invaluable for preserving essential communications that require indexing and searching for legal or compliance purposes. While there may be some overlap, each solution is optimized to efficiently retrieve the necessary data.

Here's a straightforward method for comparing backups and archiving:

Backup:

  • Provides a copy of your data.
  • Facilitates recovery of contacts, tasks, calendars, and documents.
  • Safeguards data from disasters or accidental deletion.
Archiving:

  • Offers a repository for communications.
  • Accelerates the eDiscovery process by swiftly scanning through social media, texts, emails, and other collaboration messages.
  • Safely stores communications for long-term retention.
In essence, backup is tailored for recovery, while archive is tailored for discovery. These two solutions work in tandem to fortify your organization against internal and external risks.

Deciding what's best for your business:

While both backup and archiving solutions store an immutable copy of your data with unlimited retention, they serve different purposes. Consider the following key questions before determining your needs:

1. Who needs access to the data and why?

  • For swift recovery of business-critical items during an outage or attack, a backup is essential. For locating specific communications, an archiving solution can efficiently scan through messages and attachments.
2. Where does the data need to be stored?

  • If sharing communications with legal counsel, an archiving solution is optimal. If data restoration is the priority, a backup is more suitable.
3. How long do you need to retain the data?

  • Determine the timeframe and format requirements for data retention. Whether it's a week, a month, or several years, understanding your data needs helps in choosing between a backup or archiving solution.

evaluating your organization's specific requirements and understanding the distinct advantages of backup and archiving solutions will guide you toward making an informed decision that ensures the safety and accessibility of your data.

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