Many companies still rely on traditional business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) methods like tape backup and off-site storage. While these methods are effective, they also have their drawbacks. This is why cloud computing can be a valuable addition to your BCDR plan, offering many benefits that traditional methods cannot match.
 
In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of using the cloud for BCDR and how it can help keep your business running in times of crisis.

Automated data backups

Cloud-based backups can be automated, meaning you can schedule when they will run. This means no more missed backups, unlike with manual processes. And if you’ve migrated business processes to the cloud, integrating automated backups is even easier since the source data would already be in the cloud.
 
Moreover, you can control the frequency of cloud-based backups so that critical data (i.e., data your business needs to operate, such as transactional information) is backed up more often than noncritical data.

Remote management and storage

IT admins can manage cloud backups remotely, making it easy for them to monitor and adjust your backup processes as needed. Cloud backups are also typically more reliable than traditional methods of backup, as they are less likely to be damaged or lost in the event of a disaster. This is because cloud backups are stored in multiple data centers that are located far from one another. This increases the chance that you’ll have at least one copy even if a calamity destroys your primary data center.

Reduced costs and increased flexibility

The cloud can help reduce costs and increase the flexibility of BCDR plans. For example, cloud-based backups reduce the cost of data storage since these require much less physical space than traditional media like tape backups. Furthermore, backing up data on site requires you to have specialists on your payroll; such roles require high salaries, but you won't have to worry about this with cloud backups. Cloud-based backups can also be easily scaled up or down to meet your needs, so you can adjust your backup plan as needed.

Backup speed and immediacy of data availability

Backing up and accessing data on the cloud is also a much simpler and more efficient process than using off-site data backups. Creating off-site data backups involves a logistically complicated and time-consuming process of physically moving data storage devices to a remote facility. While this method is suitable for large volumes of archival data, it is not ideal for data your business needs at the snap of a finger.
 
In contrast, cloud-based backup solutions use internet connections to rapidly deliver data to off-site locations. These solutions also use a variety of technologies, including deduplication and replication, to quickly and reliably back up your data. This means that you’ll have access to the latest version of your data in the event of a disaster, such as when a ransomware attack compromises your primary copy. And even if the latest backup is compromised, the cloud holds previous versions that are pristine, increasing your chances of retrieving data that is still usable for resuming operations.
 
Last but not least, the cloud can grant you access to your data as soon as you have internet access, helping you get your business up and running sooner. 

Further reading:
Use virtualization to boost your disaster recovery strategy
Secure your data in the public cloud

Regulations compliance

Another benefit of using the cloud for BCDR is that it can enable your organization to comply with regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR. Cloud-based backup solutions offer several helpful features to ensure your company’s compliance, such as:
Encryption
Encryption is essential for protecting data since it makes data unreadable to anyone who does not hold the decryption key. Cloud-based backup solutions can encrypt data both in transit and at rest, ensuring that your data is protected even if it falls into the wrong hands.
Role-based access control
Role-based access control allows you to restrict who has access to your backup data. This is important for ensuring that only authorized personnel can view or modify your backups.
Audit logging
Audit logging provides a record of who has accessed your backup data and when. This is valuable for tracking down any unauthorized access to your backups and for assessing compliance with data policies.
 
Data regulations like HIPAA also require organizations to maintain a high level of data availability. HIPAA, in particular, mandates this because access to certain types of health information is critical to the health and safety of patients. The cloud is indispensable in this regard, as it enables frequent and rapid backups that can be accessed quickly via an internet connection.
 
Be sure to include the cloud when creating or updating your BCDR plans. Let our cloud experts at SimplyClouds show you how. Reach out to us today to learn more.