Facts, Options and Ratings A Media Safe

A loss of company records would be a catastrophic event for most businesses, be they large or small. Indeed the larger the business the more people will be effected. Billing, paid or owing. Business plans, marketing, contracts, workplace procedures, invoices, receipts, tax records, the list goes on. Thankfully nowadays we don't rely so much on hardcopy paper records. But that doesn't mean that we should be less diligent when safeguarding our digital media. Physical space is less of a problem in the technological age, but if media storage isn't done right, its as bad as not doing it at all.

Specifically engineered for the storage of electronic data and micrographic media, they could be all that stands between a company being able to rise back up from the ashes or being left bankrupt and destitute.

Designed and built to withstand not just fire and heat, but also magnetic fields, humidity, dust, electrostatics, impact and of course, burglars!

Here are some of the things you can protect in your fire proof media safe:

• microfiche
• film
• CD/DVD
• photographs
• photographic film
  
• tape backups
• hard drives

Designed to protect its contents from high temperatures as well as actual fire, a fireproof media safes are rated to last between half-hour and four-hour durations of the worst possible extreme conditions. Not only is the body and door insulated but the drawers.

Some are even rated for impact resistance. This is in the event of a safe falling a number of feet to a lower floor level or if the ceiling and debris fall on it.

Computer media is easily damaged and the business impact of losing critical data can not be ignored. In addition to the data storage these safes can be used for identity papers, passports and cash.

Speak to a trained salesperson about your specific requirements so you can find the best protection you can afford for the critical records you can't afford to lose.

For large corporations they may want to consider a room-sized sized vault. It is actually more economical than having many single safes. It also means better document control. But for most businesses, a large safe or two will suffice. Smaller businesses can very well get away with just a medium sized one. It comes at a cost, but despite the fact the money and time you'll save if disaster does strike, such a purchase will possibly outlast the business.

Some manufacturers go the extra mile and have their safes tested by independent laboratories to verify the rating they have given it.

When making a speaking with a trained salesperson be sure to get all the details to ensure your purchasing decision is based on solid facts. Do some research and find out more information about the labs that they've claimed to have been tested by. And to what specifications and standards.

Typically manufacturers recommend storing magnetic media below 125°F and at a humidity level under 80%. Though when exposed to a fire of 1700°F for a period of one hour the safe should be... safe.

It's a big purchasing decision and not one to be taken lightly. As well as safeguarding your critical data it will give you peace of mind.