There is a certain level of flexibility that is associated with the cloud. People store things in these kinds of environments because it allows them unlimited access to files and programs. This can be enabled from anywhere in the world on whatever device the user happens to be carrying with them. In essence, the cloud enables instant gratification.
This is why so many companies are now turning to the cloud as a business continuity tool. Cloud backup is a vital asset in an age where even just hours of downtime can cost some organizations millions of dollars. According to the Forrester report "Cloud Backup And Disaster Recovery Meets Next-Generation Demands," the cloud was discussed as a popular way for enterprises to cut expenses and become more efficient in their backups.
"In the case of a disaster, database software can recover data from the cloud onto other data center locations and help restart the critical application," Forrester wrote in the findings. "With cloud, you can recover your database in hours with just a few minutes to a few hours of data loss but without the cost of dedicated IT infrastructure."
Offsite backup alone not enough
While it may make sense to store backups in an offsite location, the frequency at which they need to be made is not possible for enterprises who need them located far away. Backups are something that, ideally, should be made daily. For an office located, say, on a fault line, it is going to take considerable time and effort to accomplish this. In many instances, it just won't be possible.
This is why cloud functionality is so critical to maintaining backups. Disaster recovery is a goal, but business continuity is a process. The amount of time it takes to get back to normal after downtime can make or break any organization.
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