SMEs fail to back up electronic data remotely. Less than 20
per cent of UK small businesses backup their data remotely, even though 82 per
cent* admit they could not function without it, according to research from BT.
Despite the importance of electronic data, only 11 per cent of 394
companies polled*, believed data backup was one of their biggest IT priorities,
according to research carried out in association with the Institute of
Directors (IoD). The research was done in preparation for a series of events
around the UK to help small businesses with IT systems.
Using tape and
CD were the most popular means of backing up data, but these remain on site and
rely on staff to initiate the process. This can result in staff forgetting to
backup regularly. The study found that this problem is made more acute as
owners with limited technological knowledge, who are responsible for IT systems
in 40 per cent of small businesses, do not necessarily employ the best
solution. And backup tapes kept on site can be easily corrupted should a
disaster such as a flood or fire strike.
The latest backup services run
over broadband and allow users to automate their processes and easily store
copies of their data remotely. This means that backup is never forgotten and
that data can be retrieved from any location should a problem occur.
Professor Jim Norton, Senior Policy Adviser at the IoD, said: “For
smaller businesses in particular, the owner/manager is in charge of IT.
“As a result, things like backing up data are way down the list of
priorities and are often seen as chores. This is because traditional backup
methods, like tape or CD are often time consuming. But times have changed, and
backup now requires little or no input from users.”
Mick Hegarty,
general manager, Broadband and VoIP at BT Business, said: “For businesses,
broadband isn’t about speed anymore, the focus has moved to what
businesses can do with that speed. “With businesses increasingly dependent
on information in their day-to-day operations it is crucial that companies
store their critical business data off site. Broadband allows the essential
data companies hold on their systems to be quickly and cost-effectively stored
in secure remote servers and easily retrieved should disaster strike.”
BT offers numerous secure, remote data backup and storage services.
They range from individual PC and laptop backup with Datasure Online PC Backup
to Datasure Server Backup (prices from £5.95 per month, excluding VAT),
which covers an entire organisation’s data.
Once the software has
been deployed, data is automatically backed up to remote servers, which
increases reliability and reduces the risk of human-error. The backup process
takes under five minutes each day on average for a single machine, saving
companies time and effort.
BT Business Broadband customers can sign up
now to get download speeds of up to 2Mb for just £19.99 a month until
March 31, 2006** with free connection and router***, removing the initial
set-up costs for businesses. Users will also benefit from BT’s IT Support
Manager and Business Email Plus for free until December 31, 2005***.
*
Independent research conducted by the Institute of Directors during July and
August 2005 ** Offer ends December 16, 2005 *** Offer ends March 31,
2006
ADSL