cloud services – Soteria Cloud Backup News

Back to Basics of Backing Up: How to Choose the Right File Sync & Backup

2020 saw the whole work-from-home concept flourish. It’s not that people are starting up their own businesses from home, but rather that businesses are realising the value in having home-based and remote workers. Not only does this make for a happier workforce, but it also seems to boost productivity. Of course, with the convenience of home working comes a plethora of threats, data loss potential, and vulnerabilities open to opportunistic cybercriminals.

The work-from-home professional has a lot to worry about! Hard drive failure, ransomware, natural disaster (flooding or fires), human error – you name it! The only true way to protect your data, your business, and your employees is to get back to basics – backing up! By choosing a good file sync and backup service, you can minimise the potential for ultimate data demise.

What is the Best Backup Solution?

When it comes to backing up data, there are a few options to choose from. One is that of backing up to an external hard drive and another is to opt for an online backup service. The problem with external hard drives is that they can malfunction, you could lose the device (or it may get stolen), or you could fall victim to a natural disaster.

For these reasons, we believe that online encrypted data backup services are the best possible data protection solution.
What’s great about an online backup service is that the files are all encrypted for security reasons. In addition to that, the uploaded files can be accessed and restored at any time and from anywhere – as long as you have an internet connection and your username and password on hand.

Is Encrypted Backup the Same as Cloud Storage?

The simple way to answer this question is, ‘no’. A file syncing and cloud storage service is a service such as Dropbox, Google Drive and even OneDrive. These services will store files in the cloud, but they don’t offer document protection.

The Cost of the Right Backup Service

One of the first things that business owners worry about is the cost involved in a cloud backup service. Because the right backup service doesn’t usually come for free, they think that opting for a free cloud backup service is the answer…when, in reality, it is only a temporary solution and will eventually lead to complications and even more costs.

All cloud storage and backup service providers offer packages that have different account features. These rates usually fluctuate depending on the security offered, the number of devices linked to the account, and of course, how much storage space will be used.

Free accounts do offer storage capabilities, but when it comes to document protection, it’s quite limited. Free cloud backup plans also come with storage space limits and restricted key features. These features are typically essential to a professional business. You might also find that the files are difficult to upload, or the size of the files that can be uploaded at once are limited. This can be quite inconvenient. When you run out of space, you will typically be offered the option to upgrade to a paid account.

The Convenience of the Right Cloud Backup Service

When shopping around for a good backup service, you will likely pay special attention to the data encryption offered – and that’s good – but what about the convenience? Imagine going to the expense of equipping all of your employees with professional backup systems on their devices, which they then forget to make use of! That’s a waste of money and a risk for your business.

With a decent backup service, you should be provided with software that is quick and easy to download and activate. You should then be able to set the software to carry out an automated backup on certain days of the week and at specified times. This means that you and your employees never have to remember to do a backup – the system will do it for you.

Because the data is stored in the cloud and encrypted, there’s no need to store sensitive information on employee devices and if something does happen to the device or if there’s a case of human error with an accidental delete, there’s nothing to worry about as it’s all there, safely stored in the cloud.

The Security of the Right Cloud Backup Service

There are many cloud backup services available, but not all of them are equal. Consider a backup service that offers data encryption as this means that not even your employees can access documents that are saved to the cloud and locked. Absolute peace of mind is yours. You will be given a private encryption key required to unlock your documents and you can use a password manager to store this for you.

Features of the Backup Service

One of the most important features to look for in a data backup service, and second only to encryption, is that of the restoring of files. Restoring and recovering files should be quick and easy. If it’s not, you are wasting valuable time and money. Make sure that your chosen system has an effective file search feature and that it also has the ability to recreate and restore entire folder tree structures – which is what you will require if you need to recover from a big data breach or loss.

The Performance of a Backup Service

Another important feature to keep your eye out for is – speed. You don’t want a backup service that is extremely slow. You need a service that can encrypt, compress, and upload files to the service quickly, especially if you need to upload a lot of data or a lot of large files. Pay attention to the minim speeds offered and ensure that you chat to the service provider about your particular size and amount of data.

In Conclusion…

Choosing the right backup service at the right price can seem daunting, but have you considered the risks and costs of going another day without it? The more your workforce works from home and the more freedom you give your staff to work from home, the greater the risk of data loss and breach is to your business. Protect your business, yourself, and staff – choose the right data backup service today.

Storage Decisions 2015 – What Attendees Learned About Cloud Storage

Storage Decisions 2015 was held in New York just last month. The panel of experts at the conference took the time to answer questions about how today’s data storage industry is affected by storage technologies, vendors and strategies. While the questions directed at the experts revolved around cloud storage, flash spinning disk and even tape storage technologies and methods, it became apparent that cloud backup and storage methods offer viable and reliable solutions to those looking for a safe, secure and easy way to back up data.

Let’s take a closer look at what the attendees learned about cloud storage at Storage Decisions 2015:

One particular expert, Ben Woo, advised attendees that cloud storage provides an essential disaster recovery method for businesses that place importance on flexibility, convenience and affordability.
Marc Staimer also stated that the real advantage of cloud storage is its flexibility. With cloud solutions in place, there’s no need to hire employees to handle file storage, maintenance, updating and similar. The system handles it for you – and that’s sheer convenience.
Jon Toigo made it clear that in order to operate your business successfully in the cloud; you need a reliable network and internet service. With reliable connectivity you can confidently operate your business smoothly and have access to info on demand.

It seemed to be a general agreement amongst the experts that hanging onto data for longer than necessary, or data that is no longer relevant or required by the business, is simply poor storage practice. This type of storage will cost the business money in the long run. If you want efficient systems and storage folders that only contain relevant and valuable data to the business, make sure that you analyse and update your storage files regularly and trash data that you no longer need. George Crump however, added that one should always be careful that the data being deleted is really no longer required.

It is without a doubt that business owners attending Storage Decisions 2015 left with a better understanding of cloud storage and how to deal with it for the best possible results and savings going forward.

If you would like to hear more about the advantages of cloud storage and how to use it successfully for your business, take the time to get in touch with us at Soteria Cloud. Learn more about our business cloud storage packages or the features of cloud storage with the help of Soteria Cloud today.

Why there is no reason to fear cloud technology

Many Internet users have an unintended fear of using cloud technology, without even realising that they are already making use of it. If you stream or download music from iTunes, work in Google Docs, download Kindle books or similar, you are in fact interacting with the cloud – probably daily! When you consider the cloud in this manner you begin to realise just how seamlessly cloud computing has integrated into everyday life: so why do so many businesses show reluctance to migrating to cloud services? In most cases it is as simple as not understanding what cloud technology is, just how secure it can be and how much convenience it can bring to the average business.

To illustrate why there is no reason to fear cloud technology, we have broken it down for the business owner below:

Cloud technology is simple to understand and use!

Cloud computing is basically the process of accessing services and systems that are remotely based or hosted. This means that the programs, files and systems that you are accessing are located on an external server and not on your actual computer or hard drives. With a user name and password along with an Internet connection, cloud users can access all their data at anytime, and from anywhere.

Cloud computing and technology offers your business a wealth of benefits!

The most important benefit of cloud computing is cited to be increased productivity from employees. Businesses making use of the cloud can enable their team members to access everything that they need on the move. This presents a huge convenience to the business as staff members can work remotely, from any computer, to access important files and information. There is no longer a need to suffer rush hour traffic just to visit the office in order to update documents and files: it’s all instantly and digitally accessible.

Cloud technology also offers an added layer of security to the business in terms of downtime. If the business experiences a system crash, virus or data loss, it’s critical data is already saved to an external server, which means it won’t be at risk. There will be no time wasted on trying to recoup information and rebuild systems. Choosing a cloud computing service provider that offers data encryption as part of their business cloud backup package will also ensure that your sensitive data does not fall into the wrong hands.

Migrating to cloud services is quick, easy and affordable!

Many business owners want to know if it’s costly to migrate to cloud services and the answer is a firm NO. Migrating to the cloud can be done quickly and without disrupting your daily business activities. Once the system is set up, it can be set to automatically activate incremental backups. This ensures that backup of any edited files, folders and documents on devices and machines linked to the system is done according to your designated schedule. When choosing the right cloud data backup service provider, you can expect the rates to be most affordable and with no hidden costs. In most cases, having a cloud system in place of an IT department is a cost saving!

Want to learn more about cloud computing and technology? Contact us at Soteria Cloud or take a look at our business cloud backup solutions.

Does South Africa Need Cloud Technology to Compete Globally?

Cloud technology, cloud computing systems and even online cloud backups offer the business market a great deal. While many companies have converted to cloud services, it would appear that there are still some who are unwittingly lagging behind!

In 2014 US Deloitte carried out a survey that gathered information from mid-market executives. The aim of the survey was to determine market opinion on whether or not new opportunities are being created by the advances in cloud computing. What was the result? 39% of participants felt that cloud technology had the best potential for growing their business’ productivity gains. Now that’s saying a lot! Why haven’t more of these businesses made the transformation to cloud services yet? Have you? Does your business currently operate in the cloud?

The question begs to be answered; does SA really need cloud technology to compete globally? The answer is a resounding YES! Just a few years ago the country’s local small and medium enterprises didn’t have access to the same tools and systems that cloud technology makes available today. As a result, the country suffered in terms of being able to service a global or foreign market effectively. Of course all that has now changed.

Cloud Technology Levels out the Playing Field

What exactly has cloud technology offered small to medium enterprises that has enabled them to compete with some of the bigger concerns on the global market? The answer is fairly obvious. Large corporate concerns have the funds and resources to set up big call centres and offices with prime locations, to service their global market. SMEs simply couldn’t compete.

Cloud technology now makes it possible for small companies to host online / cloud based office spaces. There’s no hefty property rental attached and personnel can gain access to the system, share information, edit documentation and safely store sensitive information, without having to actually go into the office. In fact, employees of such setups could be spread across the globe with no negative impact to the efficiency and streamlined services of the business “office”. What’s cloud technology done? It’s brought people closer and made business administration and processes simpler.

Nowadays, small to medium sized enterprises are encouraged to compete with the larger concerns. After all, cloud technology has made it possible for small business to acquire similar systems and processes as large corporations, at a fraction of the cost. Now small enterprises can offer global customers a world-class service in the same field of play.

At Soteria Cloud we are part of the race to provide the business market with online cloud services. Our cloud backup services for business and home environments offer a world of convenience to our clients. Is your business currently making use of cloud technology? Do you serve the global market with the help of cloud services? We’d love to know! Leave your thoughts and comments here.

Top Things we Have Learned about Cloud Computing So Far

With Cloud Computing becoming the best way to work, store data and even run systems, it has become vital for our IT departments to learn as much as they can about it, to remain competitive, efficient and move with the times.

Cloud Computing has been around for over 10 years now and offers a myriad of advantages. If you still need some convincing, here are a few advantages to using Soteria and this type of backup system:

Cloud Computing, still requires expertise, programming, integration work and configuration. Luckily, our team at Soteria Cloud takes care of all of that for you. All you need to do is install the system on your computers and allow it to update automatically. We will do the rest.
It offers safe and secure storage options for your data and sensitive information. Your data is never really safe if it is saved in files in your filing cabinet or even on your computer hard drives. At Soteria Cloud we ensure that your data is stored off-site and that it is encrypted with 256-bit military grade encryption. The only person who will gain access to your data is you!
It’s easy to use, it’s affordable and it works! Cloud Computing isn’t a scary concept at all. In fact it provides a great deal of convenience to businesses.
There’s no training required to use cloud computing. At Soteria Cloud our software is designed to be absolutely user-friendly. Our consultants will ensure that you know precisely how to make use of the software.
Even though everything is done in the cloud, support is always available if you run into any problems or have questions along the way.

We are dedicated to providing the market with access to top quality cloud backup options. If you feel like it’s time to start making use of cloud computing, then get in touch today!

Smartphones and Cloud Computing Merge – Take Your Business Mobile…to the Cloud!

The way the world does business is changing and along with it, so is the cyber workplace. The days of carrying a large briefcase heaving with papers, laptop, mobile phone, tablet and other devices are from a bygone era. In this day and age, office space is in less demand while mobile workers are able to conduct their business from almost anywhere, on the road, virtual offices and similar. With businesses taking their functions mobile the need for employees to be able to sync and share data from anywhere is no longer an option – it’s a prerequisite. The opportunity for cloud computing to sweep the globe is immediate. It’s no longer an eventuality – it is now simply a necessity.

A quick glance at the latest smartphones will have you quickly aware that these devices are geared and ready for cloud computing. In fact the smartphone and cloud computing go hand in hand and there is little doubt that the smartphones of tomorrow are all a business representative will need to make calls, check emails, connect to business networks, share documents and information and so on. Farewell to bulky laptops and tablets – hello to the newest and most advanced age of cloud business communications and computing!

Mobile Clouds

It comes as no big surprise in a poll conducted by CIO Magazine, that CIOs plan to increase their spending on enterprise mobility management by around 52 percent in 2015. They also plan to assign more of their budget to public cloud (37%), private cloud (42 percent), and SaaS/cloud apps (52%). The tech world is seeing a flurry of activity as market leaders work hard to ensure that devices, data and applications are up and running and ready for what lies ahead.

Of course along with the rewards of mobility and cloud resources comes potential risk. The correct infrastructure and security precautions need to be implemented from the get-go, with the pressure building on IT to secure and connect. Secure encrypted backups should be managed regularly and users will need to ensure that their security suites and systems are always up to date and in full operating order.

Are you planning on taking your business activities and communications to the cloud? Let us know! To learn more about smartphones and their integration to the cloud, get in touch with us at Soteria Cloud today.

What is the Cloud?

If you have heard talk about “the cloud” and been left under a dark one wondering what it is, it is actually a fairly simple concept to understand. In fact, in all likelihood you might have made use of the cloud without even realising it. Generally speaking, the Cloud is the internet and everything you do online such as checking your emails and saving documents, is done “in the cloud”.

When you use your computer to complete various tasks in the Cloud you are actually communicating with a variety of servers that can either power run applications, or be used to safely and securely store data and information that could otherwise be unsafe or unprotected on your computer or mobile devices. One of the greatest advantages to accessing programs and applications in the Cloud is that they automatically run. There is no need to install them on your computer in order to make use of their features.

Quite simply put, using the Cloud is the process of accessing programs, documents and software over the internet instead of storing and using them on your computer or devices. There are currently more than 180 million people utilising cloud storage, which makes sense when you recognise that the only requirement of access is a browser and internet connection. By the year 2020, experts believe that most people will work on internet based applications, with two out of three global organisations planning to adopt the technology in the very near future.

Store and secure

Cloud computing is certainly a popular way in which to store sensitive data or important information. Many individuals and companies have lost important data due to data breach, human error, malfunctioning of systems and similar. To keep your data safely stored you can backup all your data to the Cloud. What’s more is that professional and reliable Cloud storage companies will encrypt your data to ensure that it is safe from potential hackers and unscrupulous third parties. Without making use of encrypted Cloud storage you are putting your business and your data at risk.

If you would like to learn more about Cloud backup and how it can positively affect your business, take the time to browse through our packages and service offerings. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our sales consultants who will provide you with all the information you require to make an educated decision.

Cloud Services Top the Charts!

A recent survey carried out in the United States by KPMG has shown that most companies offering cloud services have exceeded their revenue forecasts in this particular area. Why is that? Is it that cloud services are being over charged for? No! Cloud services are just that reliable. Mobile and cloud revenue is said to have topped the charts when it comes to revenue drivers and any figures presented in 2013 on a global scale have been greatly exceeded.

If this news impresses you, you are probably starting to wonder why Cloud backup services are so popular. Well, here are the facts:

Cloud computing saves money and the environment – less printing of documents means less operating costs and the fact that no paper is being used gives the environment a little bit of a chance to recover.
Updating, saving, storing and accessing files and data is quick and easy allowing staff members more time to focus on other pressing and important tasks.
It makes it easier for staff members to access updated files and work on the same files. Each saved document can be accessed by various users with their username and password.
Security is a big convenience. Cloud servers offer the ultimate security as they cannot fall victim to theft, fire, floods and other forms of damage or loss.
The system offers a completely convenient backup service whereby it automatically backs up your information and data. There is no need to copy files to a hard drive or wait for things to save before locking up and heading home for the day. This is particularly useful for business and school clients.

Many corporate companies, schools and home offices are realising the convenience and importance of backing up data. If you want to avoid losing important information (which can sometimes even lead to a financial loss as well as a poor image being imposed on your business) then turning to cloud backup services is the way to go. Find out more about these services and how they work – chat to one of our friendly consultants today!