Data Backup Digest

Backup is a deceivingly complicated process. Data is the lifeblood of most businesses, which means that it’s used in all elements and streams of the enterprise. Data can be created from very old programs, stored across multiple solutions and grow to epic sizes. As such, it can be tough to handle, which makes innovation in backup a bit tricky. For a backup to be complete all data needs to be captured and that can be an intricate process.

Nevertheless, backup does change. You only need to look to the increasingly popular cloud storage to see that, a system which many use to back up their data. Although not all businesses have taken to it, primarily due to security concerns, that could be set to change in the coming year.

But what else is on the horizon for 2015? Although no-one can know for certain, it’s certainly interesting to take a guess. Let’s take a look at some backup predictions for 2015.

1. Cloud backup will be taken up by more small businesses

For those with terabytes upon terabytes of data, cloud backup may not be the best solution. For one, it probably isn’t cost effective. However, for smaller businesses with less data to handle, cloud backup is much more appealing. And that uptake is likely set to grow in 2015, especially now that more providers are focussing strongly on security. Encryption is key and it has been integrated by big services like Box over the recent months, a move which is likely to draw enterprises into the cloud.

2. Tape as a primary backup method will decrease

Tape is an old technology, but it’s still out there and in use by businesses. Although there’s nothing inherently wrong with tape, it doesn’t make for the ideal backup system on a day-to-day basis. Compared to a drive, the speed and capacity is poor. However, tape can still be useful for offsite disaster recovery and long-term storage. Although its usage for that purpose will still continue, it’s likely that tape as a primary backup method will continue to decline in popularity.

3. Storage snapshots will be integrated with traditional backup

Backing up your data as it changes and grows is common, but it can also be important to take an entire snapshot of your storage on a regular basis too. While these two techniques have remained separate for a while, it’s likely that they will become more integrated as both are valued as data backup techniques (albeit it for slightly different purposes).

4. Medium and large businesses will focus on private clouds

For medium and large businesses, with vast amounts of data to match, it’s much more cost effective and often secure to have their own private cloud. These companies can afford to have their own IT team to handle and look after these systems and will likely to continue to invest in these. Although some may see the benefit in public clouds for certain types of data, it’s expected that most will continue to invest in their own private infrastructures.