In a data-driven world, backup and restore is an essential activity for any company which uses computer systems. Whether large or small, the value of the information contained in computer systems is often immeasurable.
Despite that, many particularly smaller companies do not take the appropriate precautions simply because backup up is a hassle.
However, this is changing with the availability of the locally-developed Attix5 Backup Professional solution which is packaged for the SME by IronTree Internet Solutions, a Cape Town-based solutions provider.
"Most of our customers are using Pastel or a similar SME-type accounting or payroll package. As SME businesses, we know that these companies understand the value of a sound backup regime, but all too often just don't get around to it," says David Lees, IronTree managing director.
IronTree's solution to the problem is the integration of Attix5's technology into a simple solution which delivers fully-automated, off-site backups to its clients. Lees explains that his company initially specifically designed its solution to work with Pastel - including co-branding - since this is the financial management software of choice for the South African SME.
"In examining this market with the understanding that most do not have an effective backup system in place, we found that an online backup should to be available for purchase online, at a highly affordable cost and with the greatest simplicity. After all, most of the owners of these businesses do not need to be convinced of the need for a backup solution, but rather need one which is really easy to use," Lees explains - noting that CDs and DVDs, tape drives and other solutions are high on the hassle factor.
Michael Law, Atix5 managing director, explains that Backup Professional installs a small agent on the computer to be backed up, while an initial, full copy of the client's data is made onsite and is physically transported to a secure data centre. "This copy is stored on a remote, fully redundant disk-based storage platform. On a daily basis, or as often as the client chooses, our software examines their data for any changes which have been made in between backup windows. Using compression and encryption technologies, it then securely and automatically backs up user files over the Internet to our data centre."
Law adds that since it is designed for bandwidth-rare South African conditions, Attix5 uses very little capacity by only updating those files which have changed since the previous backup.
As a result of its insights and its use of Attix5 technology, IronTree is able to give SME customers just what they need, continues Lees. "The SME can buy their remote backup online through IronTree. The system is designed to make the purchase as easy as possible yet with representatives available for contact should they experience any issues. And with pricing from R99, there really is no longer any reason why the SME can't be absolutely sure of their data protection," Lees explains.
Such is the success of this approach that IronTree has already signed up over 500 customers and is adding 5-10 more per day - that from a market sector which is known to be notoriously difficult for resellers to target. "The value of information is no less to a small business than it is to a large one. We opted to go to the SME as this market is underserviced; with the availability of ADSL connectivity serving as a tipping point to bring online backup to the market and effective sales and marketing campaigns in partnership with companies like Pastel, the demand for such an obviously advantageous solution is considerable," Lees adds.
Steven Cohen, MD of Softline Pastel, says the solution is used by over 160 000 businesses around the world. "With the availability of online backup powered by the technology of another innovative South African company, Attix5, clear value-add is introduced to the Pastel solution. Where our help-desk has in the past been bombarded with calls relating to corrupt data issues - in terms of which, unless there is a backup, we can't help - those using the IronTree solution today can solve the problem quickly and easily," he explains.
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