Backups and cloud storage are two entirely different things, though people tend to confuse one with the other all time. Cloud storage (like GoogleDrive, OneDrive or Dropbox) is really about access/collaboration. This is used to save files online, share them and work from anywhere. When your laptop breaks, you can still login and work from any device to view current documents.

A backup is about recovery. Having a duplicate version of your data stored in such a way that you can still access it in an emergency or disaster situation. Backups are built to be like a “time machine” that, when you issue an order of the backup, you can restore service from any given moment in time.

So, do you need both? In most SMEs, yes.

But, the good news is that a service like cloud storage saves the day from device failure and makes your daily tasks quite simpler. And while it can muffle human error, not always is it a failsafe. If someone deletes a folder (or it gets deleted from the synced device), that change can sync across to cloud. This is why it’s important that cloud solutions have recycle bins and version history, but those are only good within certain retention periods.

With a true backup, there is another layer of security. The backup should be setup to run automatically, encrypted and tested regularly (because a backup you can’t restore is useless). Plus it should hopefully be insulated from accidental modifications/deletions by regular user accounts. For a Wasabi Partner, visit www.primesys.co.uk/partnerships/wasabi

Easiest way: work files in the cloud, but another backup solution for data that is crucial to your business. Your IT partner should help you determine how to backup, what needs backing up and the frequency.