"Mirroring,' "Polling' Some Ways To Back Up Data.(INTERNET & TECHNOLOGY)(COMPUTERS MADE PLAIN)

Byline: RUSSELL SHAW

In these security-conscious times, businesses large and small are looking for safe places to store their files.

Many firms are opting to back up their data in secure off-site storage centers. If disaster strikes, they want to be able to recover their vital information.

"The question of securing one's data for backup and recovery was always out there for any company," said John Haystead, editor of Data Storage magazine. It took the terrorist attack of Sept. 11, though, to spur action, he says. "It has been a wake-up call to a number of people and organizations."

Most financial and insurance firms already have off-site backup data storage. Other companies are less prepared.

If you're looking to secure your data, your first step should be to identify which of your computerized records are key to your company.

"Sit down with your managers, identify which records are crucial, find out where those records are stored and how much data needs to be protected at what level," Haystead said.