Backups

Backups are often overlooked as “just another job the server does”. However, in the modern corporate environment the backup is arguably the single most important part of your server’s jobs. Suppose you accidentally delete a file you need. Whilst this is probably not the worst thing that could happen, say instead of a file it was a folder, and that folder contained all your financial excel spreadsheets for the last year… with a good backup procedure in place, this is recoverable within an hour, maybe less. Take that one step further – all your company’s shared documents are stored together, and that folder is mistakenly deleted….
As the above shows, a good backup can be extremely beneficial. But a backup is not just there in case some files are mistakenly deleted. A good backup also includes your server’s system files and settings, so should the worst happen and something happens to your server (for example, something corrupting the data) the whole server can be recovered in a relatively short space of time including all system settings, e-mail accounts etc...
There are three main backup types that are available to companies, each with its own pros and cons and I would like to briefly run through these with you.

Tape Backups
This is the most wide-spread backup method used in the commercial world is tape based. The server will have either an internal or external tape drive, and a batch of tapes (usually 5, one for each weekday). Backup software will then automatically backup your entire server each night. Our preferred choice of backup software is Veritas Backup Exec – probably the biggest name in backup software. The tapes not in use should ideally be stored in a ‘fire-proof safe’ or even taken off-site by a designated person (data can be encrypted so as to be secured). The benefit with this solution is it is a tried and tested method of backing up having been in existence for many years, with continual development. The tapes used are also quite robust and can survive the odd drop without any issues. However, the initial purchase of the equipment and the need to replace tapes every couple of years can make this quite an expensive option.

USB Hard Drive backups
This solution is almost identical to the tape based method, but instead of using tape drives and tapes, it simply uses a USB external hard drive. The advantage over tape based backup is cost – disks are only slightly more expensive that tapes, but there is not the need for an expensive tape drive. The disks will also last longer than tapes. There are two main drawbacks however. USB drives, whilst being designed to be portable, are not as robust as a tape – should a drive be dropped, there is a high chance of the disk failing. Also, as this is a newer method of backing up, not all older software supports it, so there may be the need to purchase newer software

Remote Backups
The latest development in backup solutions is remote backups, whereby software backups up across your internet connection to a remote storage location. The greatest benefit with this is you have a copy of all of your data kept off-site, so in the event of something happening to your building you will still be able to access your data. It also removes the need for staff to be involved in swapping backup media. However, with remote storage you need to have a fast, reliable internet connection. You also need to make sure that your remote storage is hosted by a big company (our preferred choice is Redstor). This can mean it costs a bit more, but you are far better off to deal with a “Big Name” company rather than a smaller “one-man-band” solution – the simple question is “How valuable is your data?” Also with remote backup, you pay for the data you backup – this means to budget effectively you need to know how much data you are backing up each night.

Wildings Solution
Each client will differ, please feel free to contact me and I will arrange a no obligation survey.   If you do not know what method to you use or is it “up to scratch” please ask.  Your data protection is important to us; however, it’s far more important to you.