For manufacturers, protecting operational data is no longer optional. Whether it's production schedules, supplier communications, or compliance records, a single event can create costly downtime, missed orders, or regulatory exposure.
One of the most important decisions you will make is how to back up that data? Should you use cloud backup or stick with on-premise solutions? Is a hybrid model best for your needs?
Let's break down the pros and cons of each approach so you can make the right decision for your factory.
Ohio manufacturers face a unique set of risks. Many facilities still use legacy equipment and rely on locally stored files yet must comply with evolving standards like NIST or FTC regulations. At the same time, ransomware attacks on manufacturers are increasing, often targeting unpatched and poorly secured systems.
Without a reliable backup strategy, recovery from these incidents can be slow, expensive, or even impossible.
Both methods can protect your business. The question is which one aligns best with your environment, risk tolerance, and compliance needs.
The right solution often depends on how your systems are set up, how fast you need to recover data, and how much risk you are willing to manage internally.
Here is a simplified comparison of the two options:
Cloud Backup
On-Prem Backup
While on-prem solutions can offer faster recovery speeds, they are often a single point of failure unless paired with cloud replication. Cloud backups add redundancy and resilience, especially against ransomware and site-specific outages.
For manufacturers working with federal contracts or sensitive client data, regulations like NIST 800-171 and the FTC Safeguards Rule require secure, documented backup practices. You may also need to prove that backups are encrypted, tested regularly, and stored in a way that ensures availability during an incident.
This is where cloud providers can offer built-in encryption and compliance support, while on-prem setups may require more hands-on configuration.
Many Ohio manufacturers choose a hybrid backup model. This combines fast local recovery from on-prem backups with offsite redundancy through the cloud. It provides protection from both local failures and cyber threats while offering the flexibility to meet industry-specific compliance needs.
This model is especially useful for manufacturers who need rapid recovery onsite but also want to protect against ransomware or facility damage.
Backups are only as valuable as your ability to restore them. That is why manufacturers need to think in terms of recovery time, not just backup frequency.
A good plan answers these questions:
At Tomorrow's Technology Today, we help Ohio-based manufacturers create backup and recovery plans that fit their operations, budget, and compliance requirements. Whether you are considering cloud, on-prem, or a mix of both, we will guide you through the process and deliver a solution that protects your business without disrupting production.
Not sure what your current backup setup is really protecting?
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