DGNEXA · Göktuğ Yüksel
Cloud backup: six questions before you rely on it
A backup checklist covering data scope, ownership, recovery and practical restore testing.
Know what is protected
List the data your business would struggle to lose: files, mailboxes, business applications and configuration. Ask which systems the proposed backup actually includes. Synchronising files and creating an independent recoverable copy serve different purposes; do not assume every cloud subscription includes the recovery you need.
Define a useful recovery
How far back might you need to go? How much recent work could you recreate? Which system needs to return first? These questions help define retention, acceptable data loss and the recovery sequence. Write down who can authorise a restore and who holds the relevant credentials.
Check six points with your provider
Discuss coverage, retention, backup location, access permissions, failure alerts and restore testing. Ask how you would retrieve data if you changed providers. Check storage and recovery charges in the quote. Restrict backup administration and agree how administrative accounts are protected.
Test the result, not just the notification
A successful backup notification is a starting point. Plan a controlled restore of representative data and check that the recovered files or application are usable. Record what was restored, how long it took and any missing dependencies. DGNEXA can help review the scope and plan recovery checks; the storage platform and service commitments are confirmed in the proposal.