Technology
Ask SCORE                                                                        Word Count 464

Devise a Backup Plan for Your Business Data

Everyone knows that backing up computer files is important, and most of us will face a
computer crisis of some type sooner or later. But simple laziness, or perhaps a lack of
information and belief that backups are too costly or time-consuming cause business
owners to put it off.  And that can have disastrous consequences.

Damaged or lost data files have cost many small or home-based businesses weeks,
months or even years of work. It can happen in an instant, for many reasons. Suddenly
your hard drive starts making loud grinding noises and stops working. Your laptop might
be stolen or maybe you simply push a wrong button. Computer viruses also can make files
vanish.

Technological dangers are common and you must be prepared to avoid them.  Having
backup files available in the event of trouble could be the difference between staying
open or having to shut down.

There are several ways to backup your business files. One simple method is to copy or
“burn” your files to CDs.  This works if you don’t have large amounts of data to protect.
You also can keep a secondary computer or external hard drive around to serve as your
backup center.

Another option is to use a service that lets you back up your data over the Internet.
Depending on the amount and type of data you need to save, you can use any one
method, or a combination.  The key is to make certain at least one set of files is kept in
another secure location.

It helps to have a specific plan in place to protect your files. First, decide which files are
critical to keeping your business operating. Choose a backup method and perform a full
backup at least once a week. Backup any critical data daily to a removable device. To
make sure the backup systems really work, test your backup files at least quarterly. Keep
a full backup on site for convenience, but be sure to store one set far enough away so a
disaster won’t strike both locations.

Imation is a top supplier of backup hardware, also called “removable data storage media,”
and has one of the broadest product lines in the field. The firm’s Web site at www.imation.
com has a section devoted to “Small & Medium Business” with helpful tips, advice and
product information to get you started. HP.com and Symantec at http://smallbiz.symantec.
com also offer backup solutions designed for small business.

To plug yourself into other technology solutions for your small business, contact SCORE
"Counselors to America's Small Business." SCORE is a nonprofit organization of more
than 10,500 volunteer business counselors who provide free, confidential business
counseling and training workshops to small business owners. Go to www.scoredm.org on
the web or call (515) 284-4760 between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. Monday
through Friday.