Whenever a computer user experiences data loss, panic is the immediate reaction. However, initial reactions have a short life and, as reality gradually sinks in, the varied possibilities of data retrieval are fast reckoned.
But, for some unfortunate few, (especially the novice computer users) the shock of losing data persists long, for they know not that recovery is a possibility.
The data recovery industry should take positive steps to increase consumer awareness, of the services they provide. For, the well known fact prevails- users avail services only if they are aware of its existence.
One easy and affordable platform for increasing awareness is through the internet. Many industries and individual companies have progressed by reaching out to their targeted audience via this medium.
Benefits of generating awareness via internet:
- The global computer using audience can be targeted.
- Informative advertisement over the internet can translate to instantaneous demand for the advertised products.
- Demand can be met by quick supply of the product. The internet has given a new meaning to the concept of shopping.
- While contacting customers via the internet the entrepreneur can also study consumer behaviour. Studying customers is possible through the many online chat rooms or blogs.
- Analysis of consumer behaviour can lead to the introduction of products and services that meet their specification or requirements.
- Once the requisite product is launched in the market the customer can be approached via the same platform.
Awareness of the existence of a product or service is created through advertisement. Realising its value, companies are allocating increasing amounts for advertising their products. ‘PricewaterhouseCoopers’ has predicted that the global spending on advertisements would touch half a trillion dollars by 2010.
Advertisements are availed to reach the mass audience. Individual pc users who experience data loss immediately scan the internet for the possibility of finding solutions. The data recovery service providers can rank their informative websites prominently on the search engines. Individual pc users would find the web content quite useful in identifying their problem and this would help them select the most applicable software.
Other methods of contacting individuals are through emails, or through short message services (SMS). Creating product awareness through SMS helps in advertising through word of mouth.
DIY Software and User Apprehensions
75% of the computer users, when faced with the prospect of data loss, found it difficult to retrieve data from the backup media they had created. With the failure of the backup media, the only other available possibility is attempting data recovery.
- Pc users fear that data might be permanently erased if they do not use the data recovery software properly.
However, improper usage of the DIY software is not much of a possibility as the software comes with adequate instructions. The data recovery software provider also offers constant help round the clock to dispel user doubts.
- Novice computer users, unable to distinguish between physical and logical damage might use the data recovery software. This might make the data loss permanent.
Computer users must remember that unusual noises, like clicking, grinding or scraping emanating from the computer, indicate that physical damage has led to data loss.
Data Recovery Service Providers and Consumer Apprehensions
Computer users fear that availing the services of the experts at the ‘data recovery service centre’ is an expensive affair.
Data recovery experts charge high as recovery services necessitate heavy investment. Only the recovered data is charged for, as the companies work on the policy of ‘no recovery, no cost’.
However, all data recovery services are not expensive. Logical damage leads to data loss more frequently than physical damage. And companies that specialise exclusively in logical recovery offer inexpensive services; for they do require the usage of class 100 clean rooms. Benefits accruing from low investment are passed on to their customers.
Some entrepreneurs fear that late recovery of data turns it redundant.
Data recovery companies know the importance of retrieving data fast. However, approaching a data recovery service that is geographically close might reduce the delay involved in transit.
Whenever computer users face the prospect of data loss, they can either use the DIY services or approach data recovery service providers. More pc users can be made aware of the prospect of data recovery, using the newer media for advertisement.