Remote backup is fast becoming an alternative to traditional backup procedures. Most businesses do not rely on online remote backup as a single source for storage of critical data, but instead use it in addition to traditional backup solutions. It affords them a third storage area and data recovery source in the event of a catastrophic disaster. A remote, online, or managed backup service is a service that provides users with an online system for backing up and storing computer files.

Online backup systems are typically built around a client software program that runs on a schedule, usually once a day. This program collects, compresses, encrypts, and transfers the data to the remote backup service provider's servers.

A feature of some services is the capability to back up the primary site data plus remote offices and branch offices in a relatively seamless manner.

The ability to back up files that are extensively opened, such as Outlook files or SQL database files can be useful. Such ability allows IT administrators to run back up jobs any time of the day, not requiring setting aside server maintenance time. Most online backup products need an add-on for this.

A Multi-platform backup service can back up multiple platforms such as the various flavors of Windows, Macintosh, and Linux/UNIX.

A continuous backup feature allows the tool to back up continuously or on a predefined schedule. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages. Most backup tools are schedule-based and perform backups at a predetermined time. Some services provide continuous data backups which are used by large financial institutions and large online retailers. However, there is typically a tradeoff with performance and system resources.

Some services allow you to access your backed up files via a normal web browser. Many tools do not provide this type of functionality.

A way to minimize network traffic is to transfer only the binary data that has changed from one day to the next. The more serious tools use this method rather than transfer entire files. Tools originally designed for network backup use this method.

Remote backup has advantages over traditional backup methods. Remote backup does not require user intervention. The user does not have to change tapes, label CDs or perform other manual steps. It maintains data offsite. Perhaps the most important aspect of backing up is that backups are stored in a different location from the original data. Traditional backup requires manually taking the backup media offsite. Some remote backup services will work continuously, backing up files as they are changed, but most remote backup services will maintain a list of versions of your files.

These computer backup systems might have, though, some disadvantages. Depending on the available network bandwidth, the restoration of data can be slow. Because data is stored offsite, the data must be recovered either via the Internet or via tape.

Often business might look at data storage in another state as additional protection against data loss, especially if the original area is prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes or earthquakes. Online and remote backup is gaining in popularity for the safety and security of the data. The idea is you download your data through an online process to a remote location that stores the data in a secure environment. Your company has access to the data 24/7 for recovery needs or further backup.