One in Ten UK SMEs Lost Data Because of Tape Backup Failures

One in ten businesses have lost important data or files from their network as a result of their tape backup system failing, according to new research published today by Connect, the business continuity specialist. The research also found that three quarters of SMEs still use traditional backup tapes to store their data and that half (49%) of all companies expect to switch to an online backup service within the next 3 years.

The figures have been released to coincide with Channel Expo 2009 in Birmingham. The survey was conducted by an independent research company on behalf of Connect, consisting of in-depth interviews with IT Managers and Directors at 151 UK companies in a range of industry sectors.

Mark MacGregor, CEO of Connect, said: “It is only over the last 12 months that we have stopped recommending tape solutions as standard for our clients primarily because of the poor reliability of tapes for recovering data. But the rapid switch to online backup by SMEs shows how willing they are to adopt new technology, despite the current economic downturn. In the past, one of the key factors holding people back from moving to online backup has been cost but, with the price of storage falling dramatically, many online backup services are now affordable for even the smallest company. These research findings suggest that the tipping point for online backup has been reached and we expect tape users to be in a minority within the next few years.”

The survey of 151 IT Directors was conducted by The Survey Shop in 2008/2009.