Partnering with an online backup services provider

[IMAGE] As Web 2.0 offers up online applications for businesses -- not just consumers -- many VARs are looking at how they may leverage the trend to create new business opportunities and generate additional revenue. One such opportunity may be clear: online backup services.

Software as a Service (SaaS) is not new, but it can be complex to deliver and a hard-sell to companies used to having applications in-house, completely within their control and internal infrastructure. However, online backup and storage provides a clear value proposition. Online backup can enable any organization to reliably back up data within its budget and staff constraints. It's an ideal option for firms that need to optimize onsite data storage by archiving old data offsite; meet regulatory requirements and adhere to internal policies; enable small branch offices to back up easily and reliably with no onsite IT support; and most importantly enable data to be retrieved and restored quickly and reliably to minimize downtime in a world where everything must run in real time.

Online backup is not just about hardware, software and connectivity. A good online service provider also has the proper processes in place to manage backups -- processes that often go overlooked by internal IT departments with conflicting priorities and limited resources. An online backup provide

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r's core business is to safeguard data and its No. 1 goal is to have a reliable, proven infrastructure to store customer data. Systems and backups done by customers must always be tested to make sure data is easily retrievable in the event of a data-loss incident at a customer site.

Online backup also provides VARs with a great opportunity to get their feet wet at selling and delivering managed services. By partnering with an online backup provider, they can deliver this service to customers rather than make capital investments in technology and equipment.

Any VAR looking to partner with an online backup provider should take a number of things into account, both in terms of technical capabilities and business management.

Of course, before entering any new partnership, you should make a point of getting references and speaking to other partners as well as some direct customers.

Ultimately, your online backup partner should be able to address both your needs and those of your customers, both in the short term and strategically over the long term.

About the author: Steven Rodin is president and CEO of Toronto-based Storagepipe Solutions, which provides data protection services, including online backup and recovery, data and email archiving and business continuity. For more information, visit www.storagepipe.com.