My immediate concern would be bandwidth.  What connection type are you using?  Also, how much change will the database require?  If you're making only minor changes, then your bandwidth shouldn't be as much of a problem  (other than initial setup).  

As for what to check for:  I would ask for references.  Also, find out where they are located.  Is their server farm located near a reliable power station?  Are they coastal (storm and flooding)?  Are they insured in anyway?  What is on-site physical security like? 

I would approach this as if you were planning to store artifacts.  Data is valuable too. 

Of course, this may all be overkill.  If you're simply looking for reliable backup, you may not need such drastic assurances.

Paul


Janean Mollet-Van Beckum wrote:

Our organization is looking into off site data backup using online sites, particularly our Past Perfect data which includes a large amount of digitized photographic data.  I have become overwhelmed with the choices available.  We are looking for any advice or experiences others have had.  Aside from storage size, privacy and frequency of the backups what should we be looking for in the service?  Is there a particular company that has worked well for others?  What do we need to avoid?  I have found a wide price range with seemingly similar services, is there much difference in the companies? 

 

Any advice anyone can give is greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks,  

 

Janean Mollet-Van Beckum

 

Research Center Supervisor

Washington County Historical Society

320 S 5th Avenue

West Bend, WI  53095-3333

 

(262) 335-4678  ext.115

 

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Paul C. Fritz
Pamplin Historical Park & the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier
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