As a business grows, the need for professional services for everything from tax preparation, marketing and data management also grows. While this is partially due to the need for owners and managers to focus on other tasks, it is also true that many tasks related to running a business need specialized skills that few business owners and managers have. Data management is one of these areas. As a business accumulates data about customers - whether it is related to billing or other sensitive areas such as their health - the need to ensure that data is safe from misuse or loss becomes more pressing. While hiring the professional company for data backup and storage, it is important to know how to determine the best one for your business.
No one company or method of data storage and backup is right for every business. Every company you interview will have different strengths and weaknesses. Here are some topics to discuss with them, but only you know much each one matters to your own business.
What to Query Likely Data Services Providers
1. The cost might be a huge factor for your business, and it is important to be transparent about costs, but it really should not be the only or even the most significant factor. Do remember to ask about different price plans and options available.
2.Does the company use cloud-based technology? Cloud-based data security offers many advantages, but be sure to discuss how the company ensures the safety of your data. Ask about encryption. If you go for a cloud-based option, you should have access to your data via your mobile device from any location you can get online.
3.How quickly can your data be recovered and restored in the event of an emergency? If the worst should happen, a fire for example, how quickly can the company regain you in action?
4. How familiar with your industry is this company? The needs of a medical clinic, for example, are different from those of a restaurant or a home-based retail business. Choosing a provider with strong experience in your industry means they will be more aware of your specific needs.
5.Ask for references, and ask specifically for references from others in your field. It's easy to sound good when talking to potential customers, but a good reference from a company that has been using the service for a few years says a lot more.
Choosing a provider for data backup and storage is a big decision, one not to be rushed. Ensure you communicate to at least three different data settings providers. Make a quick spreadsheet so you can easily compare your options and weight the benefits, shortcomings and price options for each of them. The important thing, however, is to start the process and not neglect it.