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Three uses that often get confused: what each one is for, when to combine them, and why synchronisation will never be a backup.
In the world of data management, the words storage, archiving and backup often get mixed up. They describe quite distinct activities, though. Each of these methods is essential to keeping the information companies use day to day secure and available over time.
Store, archive or back up: which strategy should you choose?
Before putting electronic archiving, online storage or backup in place, it is crucial to define a document management strategy. That exercise tells you what your data is actually for. Are these files in active use as part of a collaboration, or data you want to keep long term without changing it? The answer points you to the right solution.
With NetExplorer, whichever strategy you choose, you get a secure environment compliant with European regulations (GDPR). Your data is hosted in France on highly secure servers, and encryption keeps that information confidential and intact.
Backup: protecting your data in the event of a disaster
If what you want is to recover your files after a breakdown, a virus, a theft or physical damage, online data backup is the right answer. It creates a copy of your documents at a given moment and keeps them across several remote sites. Even if something goes wrong, you are guaranteed to be able to reach your data.
NetExplorer offers a complete cloud backup solution, with data held redundantly across several secure data centres in France. In the event of an incident, automatic backups make restoring files straightforward. NetExplorer also guarantees full traceability of access: every action carried out on a file is logged, so handling and restoration can be followed closely.
Archiving: keeping data for the long term
For data that is not meant to change from one day to the next, archiving is the appropriate answer. It lets you store a large volume of information at lower cost while keeping it available if needed. It is worth noting, though, that archiving does not necessarily include a backup, unless you opt for a cloud solution.
Online storage: available and collaborative
If your colleagues work on the move or remotely, online storage lets them reach files wherever they are, on any device. It also brings collaborative features, such as sharing and co-editing documents.
SSL/TLS encryption during data transfers keeps that storage secure. The platform offers granular access controls, so you can set specific rights for each user or group. Every access is logged, and notifications can be sent in real time to keep an eye on changes and file shares.
Online backup vs file synchronisation: do not confuse the two
In the cloud, online backup and file synchronisation often get conflated. They answer quite distinct needs.
Online backup, to keep data safe
Online backup means keeping all of the company's data on external servers. It protects against data loss caused by breakdowns or physical incidents. With online backup, files can be recovered in full.
File synchronisation, to make collaboration easier
File synchronisation, for its part, lets several users share documents in real time. It is a practical tool for teams spread across different places, supporting collaborative work by making sure everyone has the latest version of a file.
Storing, archiving and backing up data answer specific needs, but they also complement one another. Combining them lets you build a complete, secure document management strategy that guarantees both availability and protection for your data. Cloud solutions such as NetExplorer offer all-in-one services to make that simpler to manage.
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