Computer media storage - in particular, portable media storage - protects your critical data from disasters such as crashes, fires and theft, all of which can devastate your business. External hard drives, DVDs and magnetic tape are the more common media storage units available for convenient and secure data retention. Another media storage option is compact disks. Floppy disks, once the standard removable storage media, are basically outdated but are still used by some companies. However, they require portable disk drives as today's computers no longer include internal disk drives.

In cases of disasters, a media vault is a good investment to protect your digital media from fires or floods. RAID arrays schemes protect your information through redundancy among several disks so that if one disk fails, you don't lose your data. Also, you can opt to hire one of the many offsite media storage centers to house your data. Consider the following options for your computer media storage and protection needs:

1. Find media storage providers to obtain the best protection for your data.

2. Check media storage centers for offsite media storage and services.

3. Search for online deals on computer media storage.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find providers for computer media storage

Many online stores provide computer tape storage products and media storage disks. Decide which storage solution is best suited for your data retention needs. Be sure to invest in a good media vault for added protection.

I recommend: Uptime Business Products offers a selection of computer tape storage products, including media cabinets and racks. Firelock provides modular and durable media vaults that can be customized for customer needs. PC World has a selection of external drives for optimal system backups, while Sentry Group has waterproof files for those users who choose to store their data on CDs and DVDs. Winchester Systems offers products for optimal RAID disk arrays.

Find a media storage center for offsite storage

If onsite storage is not practical or convenient, you can choose from the many media storage centers available. You not only retain storage but receive premium customer service as well to ensure the best media storage solution.

I recommend: Vanguard Vaults protects magnetic media tape and optical media such as DVDs and CDs. They also offer a disaster recovery plan along with implementation. Archive America provides secure vault storage and a rotation schedule to make sure your data is backed up regularly.

Search online for deals on computer media storage

Save money by comparison shopping for the best deals on media storage. Search online discount sites as well.

I recommend: DealsPlus offers deals on external hard drives, while PriceGrabber.com lets you comparison shop on optical media. Directron.com has deals on computer tape drives.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For small storage solutions, consider online file storage sites like Symantec Online Storage that offers small businesses online backup and recovery services for a monthly fee.