Demand for tape puts data in danger

Backup Direct finds SMBs looking to cut costs by opting for unreliable Tape-based backup systems

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are putting their business critical data at risk by opting for out-dated and unreliable IT backup systems in a bid to cut technology costs.

Research by Backup Direct has found that as many as one in three SMBs are opting for, what initially appears to be, the cheap option when it comes to data backup by selecting tape-based solutions to safeguard business critical information.

Backup Direct warns that this cut-price option is putting data at risk. Whilst tape may be good for backup, it is often not good for recovery.

"Tape is only as good as the person tasked with ensuring a regular backup takes place. If that person is off sick, forgets or simply doesn't have time, a company's data backup process can grind to a halt. And, for many, it's only when a loss occurs that they find out there has been a problem with the process," said Brett Raynes, CEO of Backup Direct.

"SMBs want resilience, reliability and sound technical infrastructure when signing up to any technology application and backup is no different. Opting for a tape-based solution over online, automated backup is a bit like using an audio cassette versus an iPod or VHS versus Sky+. In today's modern world, you just wouldn't want to go back a step to something that had its heyday in the 1980s," he continued.

"SMBs are often tight on resources and don't necessarily have the technical expertise of larger companies with dedicated IT managers. What they need is enterprise-level technology without the technical headaches. An automated service with a third party running the solution means it's one less thing to worry about and they can concentrate on making their business as a whole a success," he added.

Backup Direct has recently acquired online data backup specialist, Back2Go and its BackUpMyStuff brand. The move will strengthen Backup Direct's position as the online data protection market leader for small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMB) and support the company's ambitious growth plans to double revenues and client numbers in the next 18 months.

About Back2Go and BackupMyStuff
Operating since 2004, Back2Go is a specialist provider of offsite data backup services using technologies from Iron Mountain and Attix5. Back2Go has serviced and implemented successful solutions for large and small companies in the UK, as well as successfully developing its award-wining BackupMyStuff entry-level backup brand.

About Backup Direct
Backup Direct is a leading supplier of online data backup services for UK business. Backup Direct delivers: automated data backup, secure off-site storage, archiving and guaranteed fast data recovery. Clients receive reliable and secure data protection to maximise business continuity in case of disaster. Backup Direct's combination of business focus, leading technology, operational systems, SLAs and committed support combine to ensure simple, secure and affordable data protection. Founded in 2002, Backup Direct has more than 2000 UK business clients protecting over 30 terabytes of customer data. It is a leading Tier One provider of Iron Mountain Digital Services in the UK. Visit the company's website at www.backupdirect.net or call 0800 0 789 437 for further information.