Off-Site and Off-Cloud Backups
Keeping a backup on the same server as your live data feels convenient, but it offers almost no protection. If that server or account is lost, both the live data and the backup go with it. Off-site and off-cloud copies solve this.
This article explains the difference and why we usually insist on at least one copy held somewhere separate.
Off-Site vs Off-Cloud
These terms sound similar but protect against different risks.
- Off-site: a copy in a different physical location to the original.
- Off-cloud: a copy held with a different provider or account entirely.
- Both together: protects against local disasters and provider-wide problems.
Why a Separate Provider Matters
If your whole site lives with one cloud provider and your account is suspended, deleted or compromised, an off-cloud copy with a separate provider is what saves you. It is the ultimate safety net.
Frequently Asked Questions
Isn't a second region with the same provider enough?
It protects against a regional outage, but not against an account-level problem. For true resilience we like at least one copy outside that provider.
Does off-site mean slower restores?
Sometimes, because of download time. We balance this by also keeping a faster local copy for everyday recovery.
If you need a hand with any of this, your Progressive Robot delivery team is ready to help. Raise a ticket from the Support area of your client portal or speak to your account manager and we will guide you through the next steps.