Cloud Backup: Managed Service Providers and CPA Firms
March 2, 2017
CPA firms have issues, issues that involve what to do with their data. Should data be stored in the cloud, or should it be in-house? The fear of the cloud is real, but the advantages outweigh the disadvantages by a great number. Data stored in the cloud is safe. The only thing that may cause problems is the possibility of internet down time, and that is not a big deal compared to your server being out of commission due to a fire, flood, or hurricane.
Data and the Human Experience
CPA firms rely on their data. Client data, insurance data, tax data – it is all meant to be stored till the end of time. Most data backup errors come from the human experience. This means that humans forget things; they forget to do the backup, the passwords required to get in, or which folder they stored which document.
Larger firms have IT professionals that can help with that, but what happens when that IT professional leaves or gets injured, and there is no one onsite to help. It may only be for a couple of days, but you can bet that those will be the days you need that specialist back onsite. Humans are fallible, and that is not something a CPA firm can afford.
Advantages of the Cloud
Managed service providers offer an array of options when storing your data. They are specialists with only one thing on their minds, and that is, what is the best way to protect your data. First off, what if you go into work one day and there has been a fire. Now what? Your data is lost. You had the foresight to create backups, but they were in the office as well. Or, you decided to think ahead and you keep the data offsite. You follow the old rule of five miles away from your local office, but a hurricane hit and everywhere for 10 miles in every direction is flooded.
In the cloud, you can work in Florida, have your managed service provider in New York, and your data could be sitting safely in Nevada. Depending on the backup plan, your data may be stored in more than one location. The idea of having your data strewn across the United States may not be appealing, but it is technology of today to protect your data for tomorrow. Besides, you can still backup up your data locally.
The Main Reasons to go Cloud
There are several main reasons to go cloud when considering backup options. We will cover some of them here:
• Remove the human experience – Cloud backup is automated, so it does not matter who remembers what, thanks to automation, everything will get done.
• Natural disaster proof – It will not help you if there is an ice age event, but for reasonable natural disasters your data is protected. Location is everything.
• Redundancy – As noted above, your data is usually stored in different locations, so if servers crash in one place, your data is still secure and actively ready as needed.
• Data support – This is a big one. Data storage comes in many packages, but having the right managed service provider can make all the difference. These are the people that have a plan in place to help you get your data back on your machines, and your firm up and running.
Backup is important for any company looking for a long future. Lost data can cause clients to leave, lawsuits to start, and a firm’s reputation to be lost. A cloud backup plan should be consulted with a reliable managed service provider. Don’t be afraid to ask them where your data will be stored and how easy it will be to access it. Also ask what will happen if disaster does strike. The service provider should provide all the details you need. We’re here to help, request a free assessment today.
Subscribe now and stay up to date with News, Tips, Events, Cybersecurity, Cloud and Data Compliance.