In the digital age, it is worrisome that some businesses have yet to implement a database recovery and backup process, but we believe that any lucky business that stumbles on this article and read on the benefits of backing up your business data then the management of that business will have a reconsideration of implementing a data backup system in their business processes. Backing up your database management system comes with a lot of benefits which we will not highlight in this article.
Top among the reason to consider backing up your database is that in the event of a crisis or even a natural disaster like fire and earthquake, while other businesses will be counting their losses because their data must have been lost due to the destruction of their computer hardware and software, you and your management team will be smiling to the bank simply because you have decided to backup all your important files and documents to the cloud. Had it been you did not backup your database to the cloud, in the event of a crisis, you are likely to lose all your business information, customer contacts, and even your employee personal data.
Secondly, the costs of retrieving all this data once they are lost can be so humongous if you don’t have a very huge budget to fund the backup recovery processes. Also, once you fail to backup your database management system it can be easy for cybercriminals and internet hackers to penetrate into your business data. Remember that cybercriminals and scammers do not need too much information or details from your business to have access into your database management system; all they need is just a little loophole and they can pry on your business data and wreak havoc on your business. Read more on cybersecurity.
The havoc that these criminals can wreak on your business can cause you so much damage that if care is not taken your business may not be able to stand on its feet again. Therefore, it is important to consider backing up your database to the cloud.
Thankfully, there are so many experts on the market that are trained, registered, licensed to help businesses regardless of the size to backup their database management system. You can take advantage of any of these businesses to consider backing up your business data so that in the event of a crisis your data will remain intact.
Some of the most used databases are Oracle, MySQL, SQLite, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Microsoft SQL Server, Cassandra, MariaDB, IBM Db2.
This article will do justice to this topic by walking you through the top 4 things to consider before buying a database management system.
4 Things To Consider Before Buying a Database
1. Ensure that your data consultant understands your business and the activities you are targeting.
One of the first things to consider before buying a database management system is to ensure that the consultants or service providers that your business will be engaging for this purpose understand your business needs and the exact activity that your business will be targeting. If the consultant understands your business operation, the job will become easier for them to do and perhaps they will help you grow your business and help it gain traction in your target marketplace.
Therefore, the responsibility is on you to look at the consultant or service provider on the core activities of your business so that in the process of backing up your database management system, they can as well figure out your business goals and objectives into their operations.
2. Explain exactly what you want to use the data for.
Another factor to consider before buying a database is explaining what exactly you want to use data for. Remember most businesses handle a wide range of data in order for their business to grow and gain traction in their respective marketplaces. As such, it can become very easy to forget why you are sourcing for business data. In order to be on the right side, it is better for you to understand the real essence of why you need the data you want to search for before embarking on the project.
For instance, a business might decide to use its data to track sales performance or customer service performance within a quarter of a year. Your business should be able to have a target of sourcing for business data; otherwise, you may abuse the data once you are able to achieve it.
3. Ensure Your Data volume is appropriate for the actions you are planning.
Another important factor to consider before buying a database is to ensure that the volume of data that your business plans to acquire is appropriate for the process of the database management system. You will agree with us that there is absolutely no reason for a business with a staff strength of 5 to purchase a database that is meant for a company that has more than 5,000 employees. Therefore it is important to always put the volume of data that your business works with within perspective before heading to the market to purchase a database plan for your business. Purchasing a database that does not suit your business model and processes amounts to wasting company resources and money.
4. Give your sales team the information and trust them to use their intelligence.
Lastly, one of the steps you need to take before hitting the market to buy a database system to protect your business data is to give your sales team or your management team the information and then rely on them to use that information intelligently. If you do not have a competent sales team, this may be a difficult process for you to approach. However, if your system is made up of persons with impeccable character, then you are sure of deriving maximum (Return on Investment) ROI from your investment.
Final Words
No business person wants to invest in a terrain where the return on investment is not favorable. Therefore, it is important to critically follow through with the four factors we have highlighted in this article before getting to the market to make a buying decision. Remember, your choice of the type of database you buy for your business can protect or make vulnerable your business data in the eye of cybercriminals and internet hackers.