Online backup
Online backup is a system where the backup system is physically attached to an organisation’s network at all times. It is efficient and allows for fast access of information that has been backed up and also has the advantage that it can retain the most recent information.
Offline backup
Traditionally backup was offline. An IT manager would have to backup information from a computer network and then physically move that information to a separate area in case it was ever required. The drawback with this is the time and effort required in order to complete the task but in many cases it is still a viable way of achieving a regular backup.
Near line backup
Near line backup is a compromise between online and offline backup. As a result it is less expensive than online, and the recovery process is typically slower. However, using backup systems such as tape can mean that recovery times can be achieved in a few seconds or minutes.