What Is Cloud-to-Cloud Backup? Definition & Examples of 2022
Digital technology has led to a revolution in the backup industry. One of the most significant changes is the rise of cloud-to-cloud backup services. These changes have made it easier than ever before to backup data off-site and keep it safe from any mishap. So, it's no surprise that cloud-to-cloud backup services have become one of the most popular choices for businesses and individuals.
But what exactly is a cloud-to-cloud backup? Why has it become important for professionals and businesses? What are the best cloud-to-cloud backup services, and have many more questions? We've compiled a comprehensive guide to answer all your questions about cloud-to-cloud backup services. Scroll down to learn new things about this!
What Is Cloud-to-Cloud Backup
In the most basic terms, cloud-to-cloud backup is the process of copying data stored in one cloud environment and storing it in another. This type of backup is sometimes called "remote backup" or "off-site backup". So, you can use it for backup data that is stored on your local computer, as well as for data stored in the cloud.
One of the most important things to understand. Cloud-to-cloud backup services are not a replacement for local backups. Instead, they complement them. It's still important to have a backup of your data stored locally on an external hard drive or another storage device.
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The key advantage of using cloud-to-cloud backup services is that it provides an additional layer of protection against accidental deletion or data loss.
Why Is It Important
It's also a frequently asked question. The answer is pretty simple. There might be different reasons for different people. But the most common reason is that it helps keep your data safe and secure if something happens to your local computer or storage device.
For example, if you accidentally delete a file or folder on your computer, you can usually restore it from your local backup. But if you accidentally delete it from your cloud backup, you might not be able to get it back. That's why it's important to have a cloud-to-cloud backup. It gives you an extra layer of protection against accidental deletion or data loss.
Another important reason cloud-to-cloud backup is that it can help you recover from a local disaster. For example, if your computer is lost, stolen, or damaged, you'll still be able to access your data from your cloud backup.
How Does It Work
Cloud-to-cloud backup services typically work by creating a copy of your data and storing it in a remote location. This copy is created at a set interval, such as once a day or once a week.
The frequency of the backup can be customized to meet your needs. For example, you might want to create a daily backup of your critical data and a weekly backup of your less important data.
When you need to restore your data, you can simply log into your cloud backup account and download the necessary files. Some cloud backup services also allow you to restore your data directly to your computer. Moreover, the best cloud backup services will allow you to granularity restore individual files or folders rather than restoring your entire account.
Pros and Cons of Cloud-to-Cloud Backup
Everything has its pros and cons. It's the same with cloud-to-cloud backup. Here are some of the key advantages and disadvantages of using this type of backup:
Advantages:
- Provides an additional layer of protection against accidental deletion or data loss.
- Can help you to recover from a local disaster.
- Easy to use and manage.
- No need to buy or maintain additional hardware.
- It can be customized to meet your needs.
- Scalable and can grow with your business.
Disadvantages:
- Requires an internet connection.
- It can be more expensive than a local backup.
- Plus, it is slower than the local backup.
Cloud-to-Cloud Backup vs. Traditional Backup
Now that you know cloud-to-cloud backup and how it works, you might wonder how it compares to traditional backup methods.
The main difference between cloud-to-cloud backup and traditional backup is that cloud-to-cloud backup services store your data in the cloud. Traditional backup methods store your data on a local storage device, such as an external hard drive.
There are several other key differences between these two backup methods:
- You don't need to buy or maintain additional hardware with cloud-to-cloud backup. You must buy and maintain a local storage device with a traditional backup.
- Cloud-to-Cloud backup is typically more expensive than traditional backup.
- Cloud-to-Cloud backup can be slower than traditional backup, depending on your internet connection.
- Cloud-to-Cloud backup is more convenient than traditional backup because you can access your data anywhere. With traditional backup, you must be at your computer to access your data.
However, you will find third-party tools like Qiling Backup to backup data from one cloud service to another. It is similar to traditional backup. You can use it to backup data from Google Drive to Microsoft OneDrive, or from Dropbox to Google Drive, etc. Qiling Backup simplifies the schedule and routine backup operations compared to Google Drive. In addition, Qiling Backup allows you to perform differential or incremental backups based on a previous full backup. Moreover, you can also use it to backup your data to an external hard drive, NAS, or network share.
Here, we will give you the full steps to use Qiling Backup software to back up your important data.
Step 1. For the first time you use Qiling Backup to back up files, click File backup on the home screen, where you can select pictures, videos, documents and all other types of files to back up.
Step 2. Follow the paths to locate the files, folders or directories you want to back up, select them all.
Step 3. Now you need to select a backup location to save and retain the backup.
Step 4. Qiling Backup allows users to save the backup files to every device that is handy for you, like a local hard drive, external USB drive, SD card, network drive, or a NAS drive, plus a cloud drive of the Qiling brand. We personally recommend users to choose the cloud drive prior to a physical drive to save important backups due to the greater accessibility, flexibility and safety.
Step 5. If you're interested in an automatic and intelligent backup schedule for the next file backup task, go on with the "Options" setting. There you can encrypt a confidential file backup, compress the backup image size, or customize a backup scheme to tell the software in what time to start the next backup.
Customize an advanced and automatic backup task here:
Step 6. Click "Proceed" to start the file backup process. Your completed backup files are visible on the left area in a card style.
What Are the Best Cloud-to-Cloud Backup Services
Well, that depends on your needs. Some of the best cloud-to-cloud backup services are:
- iCloud: offers 5 GB of storage for free, and you can buy their paid subscriptions for extra storage.
- Google Drive: offers 15 GB of storage for free and extra storage on paid packages.
- Microsoft OneDrive: offers 5 GB of storage for free, and you have to pay for more storage.
- Dropbox: offers 2 GB of storage for free and more on their paid packages.
These are just a few of the best cloud-to-cloud backup services. There are many other great services out there.
Cases Studies/Examples of Businesses That Use Cloud-to-Cloud Backup
Many businesses use cloud-to-cloud backup. Here are a few examples:
- Apple uses iCloud to backup data for its customers.
- Google uses Google Drive to backup data for its customers.
- Microsoft uses Microsoft OneDrive to backup data for its customers.
These are just a few examples of big players that use cloud-to-cloud backup. However, you can also use cloud-to-cloud backup services even if you're a small business or an individual. It would help you ensure business continuity.
FAQs About Cloud-to-Cloud Backup
1. What are the types of cloud backup?
There are two types of cloud backup, full cloud backup and incremental cloud backup. The full cloud backup copies all the data from your computer to the cloud. It is time-consuming but the most effective way to backup data.
Related articles: What's the Difference between Differential and Incremental Backups
Incremental cloud backup only copies your computer's new or changed files or data to the cloud. It is faster but not as effective as full cloud backup.
2. What is the difference between cloud backup and cloud storage?
Both terms are often confused, but there is a big difference between cloud backup and cloud storage. Cloud backup is copying data from your computer to the cloud. Cloud storage is a service that allows you to store data in the cloud. However, cloud backup services also offer cloud storage, which is not the same thing.
Final Thoughts
Cloud-to-cloud backup is a great way to backup data. It has many benefits over traditional backup methods. However, it is important to have a traditional backup as well. If the traditional backup is bothering you, use any third-party tool like Qiling Backup to make the process easier and get similar results. Moreover, if you are still confused about which cloud backup service to use, then look at our list of best cloud backup services. It will help you choose the right service for your needs.
And, if you have any questions about cloud backup, feel free to ask us in the comments below. We will be happy to answer your questions.
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