Since pricing and features of remote data backup system can vary greatly, it’s important to assess your needs before you begin the process of selecting a vendor. Below are a few basic questions to ask when considering different remote data storage service providers:

1. Does the provider offer historical backup?
2. Will the data backup systems software be able to recover from an interrupted backup process?
3. Does the remote data storage service offer live and continuous backup in addition to scheduled backup?
4. Is there an option for network backups?
5. Is database and operating system backup–including registry files–available?
6. Will the vendor make copies of my company data available on CD-ROM for emergency data restoration?
7. Can I delete or edit stored files?
8. Can I select an entire folder to backup rather than individual files?
9. Does the remote data storage service allow scheduling of multiple file sets for different times?
10. Can I set up filters to include or exclude certain file types?
11. How long will the provider keep my data on their servers?
12. Will my files be duplicated to at least two separate geographic locations?
13. Where is the remote data storage provider’s data center located?
14. How many different versions of my company’s data will be stored?
15. Is this company a re-seller or an original provider?
16. How fast does the service restore and upload files? If speed is important to your business, you might want to consider paying a bit more for faster service.
17. Does this remote data storage provider support my company’s type of computer system?
18. Make sure the service provides tight enough encryption to keep your data safe.
19. Does the company perform frequent automatic updates?
20. Will the system be easy to use?
21. Who are the clients of this company?
22. How many paying customers does the company have?