Data Storage Questions and Answers

What are data storage services?

A remote, online, or managed backup service is a service that provides users with an online system for backing up and storing computer files. Managed backup providers are companies that provide this type of service.

Online backup systems are typically built around a client software program that runs on a schedule, typically once a day. This program collects, compresses, encrypts, and transfers the data to the remote backup service provider's servers. Other types of product are also available in the market, such as remote continuous data protection (CDP).

Providers of this type of service frequently target specific market segments. High-end LAN-based backup systems may offer services such as near-real-time transaction-level replication or open file backups. Consumer online backup companies frequently have beta software offerings and/or free-trial backup services.

What are the Typical features of Online Data Storage?

Opened File Backup
The ability to back up files that are extensively opened, such as Outlook files (*.pst) or SQL database files can be useful. Such ability allows IT administrators to run back up jobs any time of the day, not requiring setting aside server maintenance time. Most online backup products need an add-on for this. Higher-end products support this natively.

Multi-platform
A Multi-platform backup service can back up multiple platforms such as the various flavors of Windows, Macintosh, and Linux/UNIX. Many newer entrants only back up Windows XP, for example.

Multi-site
A feature of some services is the capability to back up the primary site data plus remote offices and branch offices in a relatively seamless manner.

Continuous backup
Allows the tool to back up continuously or on a predefined schedule. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages. Most backup tools are schedule-based and perform backups at a predetermined time. Some services provide continuous data backups which are used by large financial institutions and large online retailers. However, there is typically a tradeoff with performance and system resources.

Online Access to files
Some services allow you to access your backed up files via a normal web browser. Many tools do not provide this type of functionality.

Data Compression
Typically data will be compressed with a lossless compression algorithm to minimize the amount of bandwidth used.

Differential Data Compression
A way to further minimize network traffic is to transfer only the binary data that has changed from one day to the next, similar to the open source file transfer tool Rsync. More advanced network backup tools use this method rather than transfer entire files.

Data Encryption
Encryption of data during transmission to vendor and encryption when stored at vendor

Bandwidth Usage
User selectable to use more or less bandwidth at various times

What are some Cost factors to Consider?

Online backup services are usually priced as a function of the following things:

The total amount of data being backed up.
The number of machines covered by the backup service.
The maximum number of versions of each file that are kept.

Vendors typically limit the number of versions of a file that can be kept in the system. Some services omit this restriction and provide an unlimited number of versions. Add-on features (plug-ins), like the ability to back up currently open or locked files, are usually charged as an extra, but some services provide this built in.

What are the Primary Advantages of remote backup

Remote backup has advantages over traditional backup methods:

Remote backup does not require user intervention. The user does not have to change tapes, label CDs or perform other manual steps.
Remote backup maintains data offsite. Perhaps the most important aspect of backing up is that backups are stored in a different location from the original data. Traditional backup requires manually taking the backup media offsite.
Data storage abroad could be an advantage too.
Some remote backup services will work continuously, backing up files as they are changed.
Most remote backup services will maintain a list of versions of your files.
Most remote backup services will use a 128 - 448 bit encryption and sent reduced data packages via a https connection.

Global Communications Group Q&A

What are your Customer Service hours?
The service providers operate 24x7, 7 days a week. If you need to reach our headquarters office, we are available between 8am to 5pm MST.

How will I be billed?
We represent multiple companies and have negotiated competitive rates with each. You will be billed for the services you use by the underlying service provider.

Why should I work with GCG instead of the Carrier directly?

Service. When you need help, we're only a phone call away, and you won't be sitting on hold waiting for us.
Rates. We have negotiated pricing for services. In most cases, our rates are lower than those offered directly through the carriers providers.
Choice. As a Master Agent representing different carriers, we work with you closely to choose the services that fit your requirements.
Additional Telecom Services. Please utilize us for your office internet, voice, and data service needs
Experience. Global Communications Group endeavors to be at the forefront of the technology. Our professional consultants have worked directly for major carriers over the past twenty five years implementing telecom services and supporting small, medium, and large business accounts.