The reasons for data loss are varied. Hardware malfunction and human error top the list of causes, but add computer theft and the possibility of having to resort to your last saved copy is all too real. You used to be able to save all critical data on CDs and floppy disks, but times have changed, the volume of data has increased enormously and there are far many more file formats.

Computer viruses are spreading faster and can be more destructive than ever before. Backing up a safe copy should be simple enough, but tighter deadlines result in less attention being paid to manual backup routines.

You also need to ensure that ALL your important information is being backed up properly as corporate backups rarely take account of individual PCs and laptops.

According to IDC,

	60% of all corporate data resides on desktop or lap top PCs and 96% of business PCs are not being backed up.
	(Contingency Planning Research Strategic Research Corporation)

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Who decides what should be backed up in your company: management or IT? Do your backup routines take account of all the individual PCs and laptops (most don't)?