Offsite data backup offers an array of features that help streamline your business. With the right solution in place, you can spend less time worrying about your data's safety, and concentrate on growing your business.

Here are some of the key features that most offsite data backup services offer:

Encryption: This most-requested feature of offsite data backup is also the most crucial. Before data is transmitted, it must be encrypted according to Advanced Encryption Standards (AES). AES provides maximum security and helps avoid unintentional access, deletion, and file corruption. The only way to decrypt the data is with a password or encryption key that the software creates before transmission.

Full reporting: With every offsite data backup, you can get a report that details what was copied, when it was transferred, and whether or not the transfer was successful. Reporting provides proof the software works, and more importantly details when it doesn't.

Permission setting: This option allows you to select which computers get backed up and which employees have access to view or restore files.

Version control: With version control, you can select a specific version of a file you want to restore. For instance, if it's Friday and you want to review contract changes made that Wednesday, you can access Wednesday's version, restore it to your local PC, and compare the two versions without overwriting information.

Local data store: This allows you to store additional copies of your files on a local device. Instead of downloading information from the offsite data backup center, you can access the files more quickly from the local storage. Storing data locally also lets you retrieve files if your Internet connection is down. The offsite data backup center is still the primary backup in case something catastrophic occurs at your location.

Bare metal restore: Vendors offer an optional "bare metal" restoration for rebuilding a computer or server from scratch. Using a separate storage device, the vendor creates a mirror image of your complete system. The device is then shipped to the data center and stored with your other data. If your network is corrupted or you lose important system files, you can restore your system to its original configuration.

In addition to these features, vendors may offer remote access to your files from anywhere, customized reporting capabilities, reminder e-mails for upcoming backups, and comprehensive training for your staff. Let your offsite data backup vendor know which features are important to you so you get the solution that best suits your business.