When backing up data, you have the ability to save your backup files to an online/cloud storage service such as Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive or Google Drive.
The major benefit of this is that your backup is stored off-site and therefore:
- Has less of a chance to go missing
- Can be easily accessed from any computer if the server/main computer fails
However, there are a number of things to take into consideration before using this method:
- Most cloud/online storage services only provide a limited amount of space and you won't be able to upload the backup if you exceed that amount.
- The larger the size of your backup, the longer it will take to upload to the cloud.
- As the file is uploading, the speed of other Internet-based operations such as web-browsing and remote connections may slow down dramatically. To avoid any complications, the server/main should be left on overnight to upload the file outside business hours.
Setting Up Cloud Backup
The process of backing up to the cloud involves 4 stages. The steps below use Dropbox as an example but the process will be the same with most other services:
- Create an account with a cloud/online storage service such as Dropbox.
- Download & install the desktop client/program for Dropbox.
- Start the desktop client/program and log in to your account. Go through the setup process.
- Set Retailer's backup directory to the local folder of the cloud service:
- From the desktop, double-click on the RetailerV3 Backup.
- In Archive File or Archive File 2, click on the yellow folder icon.
- Navigate to the directory of the backup eg. C:\Users\MAIN1\Dropbox.
- In File name, type in the name of the backup file. The default is R3data.ret.
- Click Save.