Like any specialized field, cloud backup has its own set of terminology. While these terms may seem overwhelming to beginners, understanding them is crucial for effectively using and benefiting from cloud backup services. This article seeks to demystify some of the common jargon related to cloud backup, breaking down these terms in a way that's easy to understand for everyone.
Backup and Restore
Starting with the basics, the term 'backup' refers to the process of creating copies of data that can be used to restore the original in case of data loss. This loss can result from many situations, like hardware failures, accidental deletion, or cyber attacks. The counterpart to backup is 'restore', which refers to the process of bringing back data from the backup files when needed.
Cloud Storage
Cloud storage is the practice of storing data on remote servers that can be accessed from the internet, the 'cloud', instead of saving data solely on a personal computer or local storage device. This allows data to be available from any location and any device with an internet connection.
Data Compression
As covered in previous sections, data compression is the process of reducing the size of data files without losing the crucial information they contain. This helps save storage space and enables faster data transfer.
De-duplication
De-duplication refers to the elimination of duplicate copies of data. By keeping only one copy and replacing the duplicates with references to the original copy, de-duplication significantly reduces the storage space required for backups.
Encryption
Encryption is a method of protecting data by converting it into a code that can only be read by those who have the decryption key. This is particularly important for cloud backup, as it ensures that your data remains secure even when it's stored on remote servers.
Incremental Backup
Incremental backup is a backup method that only backs up data that has changed since the last backup. This differs from a full backup, which backs up all data regardless of whether it has changed or not.
Recovery Point Objective (RPO) and Recovery Time Objective (RTO)
These two terms are key elements of any backup strategy. Recovery Point Objective (RPO) refers to the maximum age of files that an organization must recover from the backup storage for normal operations to resume after a failure. In other words, it’s the maximum acceptable amount of data loss measured in time. On the other hand, Recovery Time Objective (RTO) is the targeted duration of time within which a business process must be restored after a disaster (or disruption) in order to avoid unacceptable consequences associated with a break in business continuity.
Conclusion
This glossary is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the terminology used in the realm of cloud backup. However, understanding these terms is a great starting point for anyone new to this area. By familiarizing yourself with this language, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions about your cloud backup needs, understand the features of different services, and effectively safeguard your precious data.
Remember, knowledge is power, and in the realm of cloud backup, this power translates into effective data protection. Don't shy away from the jargon; instead, embrace it as your first step into understanding the fascinating world of cloud backup.