Elastic Block Storage is Perfect for Online Backup

With today's delivery of Elastic Block Storage (EBS) in the Elastic Computing Cloud (EC2), Amazon removes the last possible objection to transforming cloud computing into the ideal resource for online backup. Now that persistent storage with 10 times the reliability of standard disk is available for 10 cents a month per gigabyte it makes perfect sense to start moving backup data into the cloud. This is particularly true for Small to Medium Businesses (SMBs) and Managed Service Providers (MSPs).

Beyond the technical merits however (which will be addressed in later blogs) the MOST IMPORTANT thing about the EC2/EBS online backup model is DATA OWNERSHIP. When you set up an account with Amazon Web Services (AWS) you have complete control and there is NO THIRD PARTY GATEKEEPER between you and your data. You, and/or your trusted service provider, can do what you want when you want.

Which brings us to the second most important thing; NO LONG TERM CONTRACTS that lock in a mandatory expense that must be satisfied to avoid penalties. As your organization's needs change you can either expand, or shrink, or stop altogether with zero consequences. Imagine leasing your car and being able to turn it in on a whim... and then get it, or a different one, back two months later all the while paying only for the miles you drive.

Finally, even as this new capability dramatically reduces the upfront cost and ongoing risk for customers and vendors alike, it makes sense to leverage technology to keep the pay as you go costs to a minimum. For online backup, WarLock DR offers their Data Relay function which supports near Continuous Data Protection (CDP) for terrestrial physical systems and virtual machines all day long with integrated store and forward after business hours into EC2/EBS.

So be sure to check out Amazon's new Elastic Block Storage (EBS) along with WarLock DR+ for the best value in Tier 1 online backup.