STC off-site backup program
safe keeping of all your valuable data
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
What if we already have a tape backup system?
A:
Using a tape backup system and an
off-site backup system offers the best of both worlds. Critical
files, like billing, customer contact files and databases can be
kept remotely. While, the tape system can be used to create a full
backup of the entire system once or twice a month, instead of on a
daily basis. The tapes and drive will last longer and require less
maintenance. The remote system can provide a quick and easy way to
retrieve critical files and databases without the hassle of
searching through tapes.
Q:
What if we already
have a tape backup Zip drive?
A: Frankly, we believe that it is not optimal for
most users to use a zip or other removable disk media for backup.
Our backup service is completely automated and has the required file
redundancy to protect important data. The only safe way to use a zip
drive for backup is to have three disks and make the same backup
three times. That way when one of the disks fails you are still
protected.
Q:
How long will a
backup take?
A: Offices with high-speed internet connections should find this
service comparable with tape drives. Dial up users will be able to
do incremental backups in thirty to sixty minutes. The initial
backup can take several nights to complete. We recommend backing up
the most important files first and then selecting other files as the
backup progresses. Or, the initial backup can be run over the
weekend. Also, we can come to your office and make the initial
backup of your system.
Q:
Onsite,
offsite - What's the difference?
A: Basically, our backups work like regular tape backups, with one
important difference. Instead of sending backups to a tape drive or
other media attached to the computer being backed up, our backupa
send encrypted file data over the internet to a computer file
storage system safely off-site.
This usually happens at night while your business is closed and
nobody is using the computers. It's completely automatic. In fact,
you may forget it's working every night.
Q:
Why Are
Backups By STC Computers Remote Backup Considered More Beneficial?
A: The data is immediately stored off-site using an automated backup
system. Also, only an internet connection is needed. Completely
eliminating the need for expensive backup equipment and media. And,
since the system is automated, manual labor is eliminated.
Q:
How
secure are backups by STC Computers Remote Backup?
A: Very. All files are encrypted using Blowfish or DES encryption which
is selected by the user with their own personal encryption code
which is only known by the user of the system. Blowfish encryption
has never been broken by a hacker. DES is used by the federal
banking system.
Q:
What is
encryption?
A: Encryption is basically a mathematical formula that scrambles a data
file. And the only way to unscramble it is with the encryption code.
