Remote Backup Services — FAQ

Q: What if we already have a tape backup system?
Using a tape backup system and an off-site backup system offers the best of both worlds. Critical files, like billing, customer contact files and databases can be kept remotely. While, the tape system can be used to create a full backup of the entire system once or twice a month, instead of on a daily basis. The tapes and drive will last longer and require less maintenance. The remote system can provide a quick and easy way to retrieve critical files and databases without the hassle of searching through tapes.

Q: What if we already have a Zip drive?
We believe that it is not optimal for most users to use a zip or other removable disk media for backup. Our backup service is completely automated and has the required file redundancy to protect important data. The only safe way to use a zip drive for backup is to have three disks and make the same backup three times. That way when one of the disks fails you are still protected.

Q: How long will a backup take?
Offices with high-speed internet connections should find this service comparable with tape drives. The initial backup can take several nights to complete. We recommend backing up the most important files first and then selecting other files as the backup progresses. Or, the initial backup can be run over the weekend. Also, we can come to your office and make the initial backup of your system.

Q: Onsite, Offsite – What’s The Difference?
Basically, our backups work like regular tape backups, with one important difference. Instead of sending backups to a tape drive or other media attached to the computer being backed up, our backups send encrypted file data over the internet to a computer file storage system safely off-site.
This usually happens at night while your business is closed and nobody is using the computers. It’s completely automatic. In fact, you may forget it’s working every night.

Q: Why Are Backups By Gemini Computer Systems Considered More Beneficial?
The data is immediately stored off-site using an automated backup system. Also, only an internet connection is needed. Completely eliminating the need for expensive backup equipment and media. And, since the system is automated, manual labor is eliminated.

Q: How Secure Are Backups By Gemini Computer Systems?
Very. All files are encrypted using Blowfish or AES encryption which is selected by the user with their own personal encryption code which is only known by the user of the system.  AES is used by the U.S. government to protect classified information.

Q: What is encryption?
Encryption is basically a mathematical formula that scrambles a data file. And the only way to unscramble it is with the encryption code.

Remote Backup
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