
Writing a data management plan: remote backup, advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- No user intervention is required (change tapes, label CDs, perform manual tasks).
- Remote backup maintains data offsite.
- Most provide versioning and encryption.
- They are multi-platform.
Disadvantages:
- Restoration of data may be slow (dependent upon network bandwith).
- Stored data may not be entirely private (thus pre-encryption).
- Service provider may go out of business.
- Protracted intellectual property rights, copyright, or data protection licences.