Cloud backup or online backup is a type of data backup whereby a copy of the data is sent over a secure proprietary or public network to a cloud based server. Cloud computing services are usually provided by a third-party vendor who sets the service fee based on scalability, bandwidth or number of users. Cloud data backup can be set up to run on demand, thus ensuring minimal data loss. The data is then available from various access points and can be shared among multiple cloud users.

Basically, the backup process entails copying data at the production site and transferring it to a remote storage system where it can be easily accessed. Many organizations choose cloud backup solutions for this purpose due to their high flexibility, easy deployment and on demand scalability.

To set up a cloud backup process a cloud backup service is purchased from the provider and is installed to the IT system, then files, folders, and applications to back up are chosen. Once the configuration is complete, the cloud backup system is ready for use. Most cloud backup providers allow you to set a backup schedule, operate with backup files, control allocated bandwidth and add new files if needed. Once the cloud backup service is customized, all data will be backed up automatically and continuously, requiring minimal input from the customer.

There are different approaches to cloud backup. These are:

Backing up directly to the public cloud: In this approach resources are duplicated in the public cloud. This method entails writing data directly to cloud providers, such as GlassHouse. The organization uses its own backup software to create the data copy to send to the cloud storage service. The cloud storage service then provides the destination and safekeeping for the data, but it does not specifically provide a backup application. In this scenario, it is important that the backup software is capable of interfacing with the cloud’s storage service. Additionally, with public cloud options, IT professionals may need to look into supplemental data protection procedures.

Backing up to a service provider: In this scenario, an organization writes data to a cloud service provider that offers backup services in a managed data center. The backup software that the company uses to send its data to the service may be provided as part of the service or the service may support specific commercially available backup applications.

Choosing a cloud-to-cloud (C2C) backup: As the name suggests, a cloud-to-cloud backup service copies data from one cloud to another cloud. The cloud-to-cloud backup service typically hosts the software that handles this process.

Using online cloud backup systems: There are also hardware alternatives that facilitate backing up data to a cloud backup service. These appliances are all-in-one backup machines. These appliances typically retain the most recent backup locally, saving transmission costs.

In addition to the various approaches to cloud backup, there are also multiple backup methods to consider. While cloud backup providers give customers the option to choose the backup method that best fits their needs and applications, it is important to understand the differences among the three main types below.

Full backups: The entire data is copied every time a backup is initiated, providing the highest level of protection. However, most organizations cannot perform full backups frequently because they can be time-consuming and take up too much storage capacity.

Incremental backups: Only data that has been altered or updated since the last backup is copied. This method saves time and storage space, but can make it more difficult to perform a complete restore. Incremental is a common form of cloud backup because it tends to use fewer resources.

Differential backups: Similar to incremental backups, these kinds of backups only contain data that has been altered since the last full backup, rather than the last backup in general. This method solves the problem of difficult restores that can arise with incremental backups.