Cloud backup solutions securely store data by providing off-site protection against hardware failure, accidental deletion, and cyberattacks. These solutions are critical in keeping organizations and small businesses running smoothly by ensuring that important files and systems are always retrievable.
With the help of our experts, we cover the top small business backup services and compare their features and capabilities.
Table of Contents
1. Backblaze
Advantages:
- Unlimited storage space
- Affordable, fast, and easy to use
- Low-cost drive-shipping policy
Disadvantages:
- No multiple-user plans
- Mobile apps can be better
Backblaze is one of the best cloud backup providers today, known for its simplicity and affordability. Its service is popular among small businesses looking for reliable data protection.
Backblaze offers unlimited storage, which makes it ideal for businesses that need to manage large amounts of data. It also provides automatic backups, which require no user intervention after setup. Additionally, its rapid file recovery and straightforward pricing further add to its appeal.
Known for its straightforward cloud backup solutions, Backblaze has built a strong reputation. Small businesses benefit from its unlimited storage and affordable pricing, which sets the provider apart in the industry.
Although it lacks advanced customization, its ease of use and automatic backups make it a reliable choice for organizations needing consistent, hassle-free data protection.
2. Acronis True Image
Advantages:
- Limitless storage and unlimited users
- Excellent security and privacy
- Adjustable server location
Disadvantages:
- Complex business pricing
- Sometimes lagging
Another ideal cloud backup solution provider is Acronis True Image. It offers users robust features that ensure data security across multiple platforms.
Acronis True Image’s full-image backups capture entire systems, while its dual protection feature keeps both local and cloud copies of your data safe. These advanced capabilities offer peace of mind, knowing your information is secure from multiple threats.
Despite its strengths, some users may find Acronis resource-intensive, which could slow down system performance during backups. It also tends to be more expensive than other cloud backup options, which makes it less ideal for those on a budget. However, the features and security provided justify the higher cost for many businesses.
3. IDrive Business
Advantages:
- A large number of features
- Unlimited devices
- Unlimited users
- Most devices supported
Disadvantages:
- No monthly plan
- Limited storage capacity
One of the top backup solutions for small business entities is IDrive. It offers excellent support for syncing files across devices, and its unique archiving system allows businesses to retain deleted files for extended periods. This makes it a solid choice for those managing multiple devices or needing continuous access to historical data.
Another benefit of IDrive is its affordability, delivering a broad range of features without breaking the bank. Users can also benefit from file versioning that allows access to older versions whenever needed. This ensures maximum flexibility for restoring previous data states.
Despite these advantages, IDrive’s interface may feel less polished compared to other options, and larger file uploads can experience slowdowns.
4. CrashPlan for Small Business
Advantages:
- Designed specifically for business
- Limitless storage
- Simple to use
Disadvantages:
- No multithreading
- Lacking disk imaging
- No backup for mobile phones
CrashPlan is one of the most well-known consumer cloud backup solutions. Its small business plan maintains high upload and download speeds while also adding business-friendly features like support for Red Hat and Ubuntu Linux, along with unlimited file retention.
Almost everything is adjustable, including backup frequency, deleted file retention, account security, and where to get the recovered information.
CrashPlan supports full-drive image backups to local disks and networked drives formatted for Linux and macOS. You can also obtain limitless backup space for an infinite number of devices for an additional cost.
However, take note that CrashPlan for Small Business may use a significant amount of system resources during backups, but you can reduce this by adjusting the application settings.
5. Carbonite
Advantages:
- Unlimited storage space
- Easy backup-flagging system
Disadvantages:
- Some necessary features not included
- Slow upload rates
- Mobile apps are no longer available
One of the leading small business backup solutions today is Carbonite. It features an easy-to-use interface that displays which files have been entirely, partially, or not backed up.
However, Carbonite's Basic pricing tier does not automatically back up huge files, external devices, or any type of video file. To acquire such services, you'll need to upgrade to the higher-tiered plans.
6. SpiderOak One
Advantages:
- Backups for an unlimited number of devices
- Strong sharing and synchronization features
- Good security measures
Disadvantages:
- Difficult usage learning curve
- Perplexing user interface
SpiderOak is a leading small business backup solution thanks to its strong sharing and synchronization capabilities. It was the first online storage (or online-syncing) service to ensure that each customer has a private, unique encryption key.
Most other cloud storage providers now offer the same thing, but SpiderOak also includes powerful file-sharing and syncing features, as well as support for infinite machines and backups of system data and programs.
However, SpiderOak's storage space cost can be quite high, competing with big providers like Dropbox.
Best Cloud Backup Solutions Compared
Here’s a comparison table so you can quickly compare the backup solutions we’ve discussed above:
| Provider | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Backblaze | Unlimited storage, affordable, fast | No multiple-user plans, mobile app needs improvement |
| Acronis True Image | Limitless storage, excellent security | Complex pricing, sometimes lagging |
| IDrive Business | Unlimited devices, supports most devices | No monthly plan, limited storage capacity |
| CrashPlan | Unlimited storage, business-friendly | No multithreading, no mobile backups |
| Carbonite | Unlimited storage, easy backup flagging | Missing key features, slow upload rates |
| SpiderOak One | Unlimited devices, strong sync features | High cost, difficult user interface |
Methodology for Picking the Best Cloud Backup Solutions
Choosing the ideal cloud backup solution is essential for companies that wish to protect their valuable data. Knowing the features each provider offers can help you make the right choice.
This methodology outlines the key factors to consider so you can decide on a solution that meets your storage, security, and performance needs:
- Storage capacity: Solutions should offer ample or unlimited storage for businesses with large data needs. Unlimited options provide flexibility and scalability.
- Ease of use: Backup solutions must be user-friendly, with minimal setup required. Automatic backups are a plus for reducing manual intervention.
- Device support: Solutions that support multiple devices or unlimited users offer more flexibility, particularly for businesses with diverse needs.
- Security features: Strong encryption and privacy measures ensure that sensitive data is protected. Solutions offering dual protection (local and cloud) add extra security.
- Performance and speed: Fast upload and download speeds are critical, especially during large backups. Poor performance can hinder workflow.
- Backup flexibility: The ability to customize backup schedules, file retention policies, and server locations allows businesses to tailor solutions to their needs.
Takeaways on Small Business Cloud Backup Solutions
Small businesses heavily rely on customer data, especially sensitive information like email addresses, phone numbers, and credit card numbers information. Storing this data solely on local physical drives can be a huge risk. Losing this data to hardware malfunctions or disasters like fire or flooding could prove too costly for small enterprises.
The adoption of cloud backup solutions offers small businesses peace of mind by providing safe and accessible storage to back up their important files remotely. Each backup service in this article has its pros and cons, so choose one that best fits your business profile and goals.
