Backup and Data Recovery Services
Your Data is the Lifeblood of Your Business. Don’t Leave It to Chance.
Since 2002,zigzag-it has been repeating one critical mantra: Backup, backup, backup!
Why? Because data loss is not a matter of if—it’s a matter of when. From hardware failures and human error to ransomware attacks and natural disasters, every business is vulnerable. Yet many still rely on outdated systems or “Break & Fix” IT providers that fall dangerously short in planning and protection.
We specialize in comprehensive backup and disaster recovery solutions that safeguard your operations, keep your data secure, and minimize costly downtime.
Why Backups Matter
Too many businesses don’t think about backup until it's too late. Losing your files could mean losing customer data, financial records, operational history—and ultimately, your business. That’s why our backup strategy includes both local and cloud solutions for maximum protection and rapid recovery.
Local Backup Solutions
Local, or “on-premises,” backup is your first line of defense. Fast and accessible, local backups allow for quick restoration when:
Your main server fails
Data is accidentally or intentionally deleted
Ransomware or other cyberattacks strike
A disaster (fire, flood, earthquake) causes system-wide damage
While local backup protects against the first three threats, it will not protect against natural disasters—which is why cloud backups are essential too.
The Dangers of Poor Backup Setups
Unfortunately, many small businesses still rely on outdated or improperly configured systems that expose them to major risk. These include:
Tape drives
External USB drives
Windows Backup
Backup storage kept on the same network as the main server
These methods may offer basic protection—but they will not safeguard you from ransomware, corrupted files, or cyberattacks.
The Right Way to Back Up Locally
We recommend a dedicated backup storage unit on a separate network, with:
Unique administrator credentials
Specialized backup software
Routine monitoring and verification
This creates a secure, segregated environment that dramatically reduces your risk. But even the best local setup still needs one crucial partner: cloud backup.
Cloud Backup Services
Cloud backup is your offsite safety net—the only reliable protection against major disasters like fire, flooding, or extended hardware failure. It is your business’s insurance policy, ensuring your data is available and restorable, no matter what.
When to Use Cloud Backup
While cloud recovery can be slower due to internet limitations, it's your go-to method when local systems are compromised or destroyed. It’s your virtual vault.
Common Cloud Backup Methods (and Pitfalls)
Cloud Storage (AWS, Azure): Powerful but costly. Expect “egress fees” when downloading your data—something many businesses aren’t warned about.
Cloud Backup Software (Carbonite, iDrive, CrashPlan): Affordable, but typically limited to file-level backups. Full recovery can take up to 14 days and often requires third-party IT assistance and external drives.
External Drive Offsite Storage: Time-consuming and error-prone. Manual handling introduces risk, and most “offsite” locations (like an employee’s home) can still be affected by the same regional disaster.
No Cloud Backup: This is not an option. If your only backup is local, you're vulnerable to catastrophic loss.
The Best Cloud Backup Strategy
Your best protection comes from working with a reputable managed IT provider who can:
Set up cloud backups using trusted software
Ensure automatic uploads and verifications
Provide rapid data retrieval without hidden fees
Keep your cloud environment ready to launch your business back into action immediately
No guesswork. No surprises. Just business continuity.
Cloud to Cloud Backup: Why It Matters More Than You Think
“But… I’m already safe in the cloud. I don’t need this.”
This is one of the most common misconceptions we hear—and it couldn’t be further from the truth.
Cloud to Cloud Backup (C2C) is much more than backing up your data to the cloud and then backing it up again to another cloud. Yes, that’s part of it—but C2C specifically refers to backing up data and applications that are already hosted in the cloud. The vendors you use—Microsoft, Google, etc.—are simply the platform providers. Securing that data? That’s your IT team’s job, or the responsibility of your Managed Services Provider (MSP).
Let’s start with a quick definition:
What is “the cloud”? Simply put: your server, somewhere else.
Why Backup the Cloud… to the Cloud?
When you move your data and applications to the cloud, your infrastructure no longer lives in your office—it lives in a remote data center. And just like any system, it still needs to be backed up.
Think of it like this:
When you rent a home, the landlord handles the repairs. When you buy a house, you’re responsible for everything—including maintenance, insurance, and protection. The cloud works the same way. You may have a better, more scalable environment, but new arrangements need to be made for its upkeep and security.
What Happens When You Move to the Cloud?
Once your server is in the cloud:
You may see faster performance (depending on your internet quality), because computing doesn’t rely solely on your local hardware. The cloud handles most of the workload.
You’ll need cloud-to-cloud backups. You're no longer backing up from a local server—you need to secure your cloud-hosted environment.
Hardware costs drop significantly. Your workstations don’t need to store or process large amounts of data—they just need to connect to the cloud.
But none of this eliminates the need for cybersecurity or professional IT support.
So… How Does the Cloud Actually Work?
As long-standing members of the Los Angeles IT support community, we’ve helped countless businesses adopt cloud solutions over the years. At first, most companies used the cloud for offsite backups or to host email. But since COVID, we’ve seen a massive shift—now entire networks and operations are being hosted in the cloud.
Cloud services rely on vast data centers, filled with servers. Your applications still run on a server—just not one in your office. Instead, you’re simply “remoting in” to access them.
This setup is more secure and easier to manage for your IT team, especially when it comes to disaster recovery.
Why You Still Need C2C Backup
Cloud backups are more reliable than local backups—but they’re not foolproof. Any system can fail. That’s why C2C adds a critical layer of redundancy. It’s the digital version of not putting all your eggs in one basket.
Cloud vendors maintain your server and its functionality, but they do not verify, manipulate, or back up your data. That includes your emails and apps. Tasks like:
Ensuring data integrity
Verifying backups
Performing restorations
…all fall under your IT provider’s responsibilities.
Put It to the Test
Here’s something we challenge you to try:
Delete an email. Wait 30 days.
Now try to get it back. Contact Microsoft, Google, or your platform provider and ask for it. See what they say.
This is why you need a backup solution that goes beyond the basic cloud service.
Why It Matters: Legal Protection
Imagine you’re involved in a dispute, lawsuit, or claim. During the discovery phase, you’re asked to produce all related emails and files.
But what if they were deleted? What if they’re unrecoverable?
That leaves your business exposed—and potentially unable to defend itself against accusations from vendors, customers, or even former employees. It could be catastrophic.
Don’t Take the Risk
Let us help you understand where you stand. Get your FREE Backup and Disaster Recovery Consultation from ZIGZAG-IT.COM today. We’ll review your setup, discuss your business processes, and offer the best solutions to protect your data and applications—no strings attached.