They're not the same thing — and confusing them could cost your business everything. Here's what each one does, what it costs, and why you probably need both.
Your data (files, databases, emails)
Copies of your information
Your entire business operation
Systems, apps, data, and workflows
Hours to days
Depends on data volume
Minutes to hours
Automated failover possible
$200 - $500
Cloud backup service
$500 - $1,500
Includes backup + recovery infrastructure
Up to 24 hours of data
With daily backups
Minutes of data
Near-continuous replication
Could be days
Need new hardware + restore
Hours or less
Predefined recovery procedures
Recovers encrypted files
If backups are isolated
Recovers entire environment
Clean system restore
Simple to set up
Automated scheduling
Requires planning and testing
DR plan + regular drills
Basic data retention
Meets most backup requirements
Full business continuity
Required for healthcare, finance
| Factor | Data Backup | Disaster Recovery |
|---|---|---|
| What It Protects | Your data (files, databases, emails) Copies of your information | Your entire business operation Systems, apps, data, and workflows |
| Recovery Speed | Hours to days Depends on data volume | Minutes to hours Automated failover possible |
| Monthly Cost (25 users) | $200 - $500 Cloud backup service | $500 - $1,500 Includes backup + recovery infrastructure |
| Data Loss Risk (RPO) | Up to 24 hours of data With daily backups | Minutes of data Near-continuous replication |
| Downtime Risk (RTO) | Could be days Need new hardware + restore | Hours or less Predefined recovery procedures |
| Ransomware Protection | Recovers encrypted files If backups are isolated | Recovers entire environment Clean system restore |
| Complexity | Simple to set up Automated scheduling | Requires planning and testing DR plan + regular drills |
| Compliance | Basic data retention Meets most backup requirements | Full business continuity Required for healthcare, finance |
Costs are estimates based on typical Calgary SMB deployments. Your actual costs depend on data volume, recovery requirements, and compliance needs.
Get a free backup and disaster recovery assessment. We'll review your current protection, identify gaps, and recommend the right level of coverage for your business — no obligation.
Or take our free IT security self-assessment to see where your business stands.
Answer 5 quick questions to get a tailored recommendation.
1. What would a full day of downtime cost your business?
2. How sensitive is the data your business handles?
3. How fast do you need to be back up and running after a major incident?
4. What backup or recovery solution do you have today?
5. Does your industry have specific data protection or business continuity requirements?