Understanding Data Loss

Computer users and many experts often consider lost data permanently destroyed, with no hope of recovery. And because much of the information about data loss is complex, inconsistent or inaccurate, it's not surprising that data loss and data recovery are some of the most confusing and misunderstood concepts.

At Ontrack Data Recovery, we take the mystery and much of the expense associated with data loss out of the equation. Our data recovery engineers have studied data loss and have been performing successful recoveries for 20 years. Their findings indicate that in most cases, data is recoverable – no matter what the circumstance. So never assume your valuable data can't be recovered. Always check with a qualified data recovery expert before determining what to do when data has been lost.

Perceptions of Data Loss The chart below illustrates the difference between the perception of the causes of data loss by the customers and the actual causes discovered by our engineers after diagnosis. These findings reinforce the complexities of data loss. Causes Customer’s Perception Ontrack Data Recovery Findings Human Error 11% 26% Computer Viruses 2% 4% Natural Disasters 1% 2% Effects     Hardware or System Problem 78% 56% Software Corruption or Program Problem 7% 9%

Although these findings reinforce the complexities of understanding data loss, they can serve as a guideline when determining the most effective recovery solution.

For example, 78% of our customers believe their data was lost due to hardware or system problems and may have also assumed that their data could only be recovered by shipping in their hard drive for an In-Lab recovery service.

Our findings indicate only 56% of data loss situations are a result of hardware problems. So, in reality, their data may have been able to be recovered with Remote Data Recovery™ service (recovery through modem or Internet connection) or even with data recovery software.

Our professional staff of data recovery specialists is here to help guide you to the right solution to recover your data. Simply contact us at 0800 243 996 or +44 (0)1372 741999 for a free consultation.

Costs of Data Loss With no data and no access to your system, data loss is a financial disaster. Our data recovery specialists determine the best data recovery solution to get you back up and running as quickly as possible. The chart below outlines the costs associated with computer downtime and data loss for businesses. Industry Sector Revenue Per Hour Lost Revenue Per Hour Energy $2.8 million Telecommunications $2.0 million Manufacturing $1.6 million Financial Institutions $1.4 million Information Technology $1.3 million Insurance $1.2 million Retail $1.1 million Pharmaceuticals $1.0 million Banking $996,000 Source: IT Performance Engineering & Measurement Strategies: Quantifying Performance Loss, Meta Group, October 2000.