Private cloud storage with backup

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Cloud hosting with backup - when is it worthwhile?

Das Cloud hosting with a backup is one of the most popular options for running a website in Germany, not least because of the many advantages of this technology. It combines a robust, high-performance and professionally secured Cloud server with an automatically or manually created backup that contains a complete backup of all content. This not only enables a simple data recovery, for example in the event of hardware failure, but also makes migration, for instance from cloud hosting to a virtual or dedicated server, easier.

What is special about cloud hosting with backup?

For comprehensive data protection and integrity even in the event of hardware failure, a server uses redundant systems for drives, power supply, internet connectivity and climate control. However, this is a basic safety measure that allows data to be restored if individual drives fail. With cloud hosting that includes a backup, however, the provider mirrors the content completely to an additional system — for maximum security many hosts even use a separate, geographically remote data centre for this. With such an approach it is possible to recover all information quickly and easily even after a catastrophic failure such as a large-scale fire in a data centre, simply by performing a data recovery. That is why every website needs a backup.

For commercial websites and online shops, cloud hosting with a backup is usually considered the minimum requirement for IT and operational security, because any website outage can lead to significant loss of revenue and some information must be retained securely for extended periods for legal reasons. However, cloud hosting with a backup also offers considerable advantages for purely private sites, so it can be sensible to purchase an appropriate data backup in addition if it is not already part of a package. Many providers even allow their customers to create multiple backups, with the maximum number sometimes increased for an additional fee.

What are the particular advantages of cloud hosting with backup?

The usual security measures such as redundant data storage prevent loss of information, for example from the failure of a drive on a server. However, they do not allow a data recovery where a previous state is reconstructed. In some cases, however, it proves indispensable to take this step. Typical scenarios include:

• Migration from cloud hosting with backup to a dedicated server or a Virtual Private Server (VPS)
• Errors resulting from subsequent configuration adjustments
• Problems caused by updates or upgrades of CMS, plug-ins or extensions
• Accidental permanent deletion of important content
• Setting up a cloned environment, for example as a "test system"
• Reverting to an earlier design
• Cyber attacks that alter the content of a website (defacing)
• Intrusion by attackers into a website or into email communications
• Encryption of content by malware

Given the many advantages, it is recommended in most cases to opt for cloud hosting with a backup: although it is not necessarily required during normal operation, it proves in many exceptional situations to be helpful or even indispensable for data recovery.

What are the alternatives to cloud hosting with backup?

Instead of using cloud hosting with backup, owners can also perform backups manually and store them locally. However, this approach is only recommended for technically proficient users, because a simple copy of the files on a webspace is not sufficient: a backup of the database must also be made, as it contains essential information such as texts, usernames, contact addresses or passwords. Another option are extensions such as plug-ins offered for some content management systems (CMS). These, however, have the crucial disadvantage that they often perform only a limited, local backup and that data recovery is only possible if the administrator interface (backend) is accessible.

If having cloud hosting with servers located in Germany is important to you, take a closer look at the offers in the category Cloud hosting in Germany!

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