Businesses have traditionally backed up their data by recording it to massive tapes and then submitting those tapes to offsite tape storage archives or locking them away until such a time as the backup is needed or the tape needs to be rotated out. The process of backing up the general data is extremely widespread, but offsite storage is significantly less so due to costs and certain restrictions. However, it does provide a number of advantages to companies that utilize the service.
The disadvantages of offsite tape storage are well known to many in the business world. The first and most frequently disparaged disadvantage is the cost associated with the service. Companies that store their data offsite need to pay for storage space, for couriers to pick up the tapes and return old ones to be reused, and for recovery of specific backups when system failure occurs. This can be a serious obstacle for smaller businesses, and has discouraged businesses that do not absolutely depend on the security of their information from using the service. A secondary but equally common complaint is the hassle it takes to get data back when it is needed. This process can often take more time than the client feels is necessary, and usually results in additional fees as well.
However, both of those disadvantages can be mitigated in a well negotiated service-level agreement with the offsite archive. Once properly negotiated, the advantages easily outweigh these disadvantages. For example, you guarantee a greater level of information security than the overwhelming majority of companies on the market, guaranteeing the privacy of your clients and the integrity of your data. Secondly, archiving the data in such a way can greatly simplify quarterly reporting requirements if handled appropriately. The service also helps free up office space to be used for other purposes, such as employee workstations or server space in a smaller company. Provided that the fees and return time are dealt with in the negotiation phase, these advantages easily make offsite data archives attractive for any digital business that wants to remain competitive and secure.