Backups vs. Sync
Maybe these are two terms you use synonymously. Or maybe you know that there’s a difference but wouldn’t easily come up with a winning definition on Jeopardy.
Syncing and backing files up both refer to protecting your data, but of course there are differences. In fact, it’s those differences that are critical to protect your business with the right option.
Business owners should understand the ins and outs of syncing versus backing files up. Today, we’ll give you the bite-sized lesson you need.
What is a “file backup?”
Backing files up means copying data from one location to another. For example, if you drag and drop files from your laptop into an external hard drive, you’re creating a backup.
Next to cloud-based services like file syncing (which we’ll get to in a moment), the idea of copying files to an external hard drive sounds archaic to some. However, a backup is still the most reliable way to protect assets because the copy is totally independent of the original file. If someone accidentally deletes the original, nothing happens to the copy.
Backups can be automatic, too. It’s not always a manual process of dragging and dropping. Automatic backups that occur multiple times a day can also help you keep tabs on multiple versions of digital assets.
What does it really mean to “sync files?”
Syncing files and data means that a link (of sorts) is created in the cloud, though the source content is still the original file. The synced data reflects the most recent information available from that source.
Syncing services like Google Drive, OneDrive and Dropbox have become enormously popular in recent years, and for good reason. These services allow the storage and organization of assets in a common space where the most recent version can be accessed by users in real-time.
As a product, syncing is excellent for collaborations. To secure your business continuity, however, using only synced files opens you to the risk of the original file getting altered, misplaced or deleted, which wipes the “linked” version out, too.
Backups and file syncing services both have a purpose. We like to recommend using both. The cloud has created the perfect environment for both syncing and backups to be automatic while also supporting teams working remotely.
Both these services are similar in infrastructure, but each requires its own setup by your team of trusted experts. Get in touch with us today to get started or to learn more.