Comparing the cost of a cloud backup solution against an equivalent tape system can be a tricky calculation.
The best way to approach the issue is to consider total cost of ownership for both systems. To determine the total cost for a tape backup system you will need to consider the following:
• Hardware
• Software
• Ongoing maintenance for both hardware and software
• Initial setup costs for configuration
• Time and resources for managing backup and restore, including periodic recovery drills
• Future scalability and costs of additional infrastructure
For a cloud-based backup service, costs to consider include:
• Recoverability assessment
• Initial implementation
• Pay-per-use for capacity
Many companies will discover that the total cost of ownership for a cloud backup and recovery system is significantly lower. Along with total cost of ownership, there are other associated financial advantages of a cloud backup service including:
• Lower operating and administrative costs due to automated backups
• Built-in scalability which makes it easy to evolve with new business needs
• Cloud backup software that scans your data for integrity or corruption issues and alerts your company immediately, preventing costly problems in advance
• Deployment of IT resources in more strategic innovative initiatives, that enable greater competitive advantages
• Simple recovery drills for peace of mind
