What are the most effective ways to backup and recover data in Business Architecture during a disaster?

1 Data backup methods

Data backup methods vary depending on the type, frequency, and location of the data. Full backup is the most comprehensive and reliable way to back up data, but it also takes the most time and storage space. Incremental backup copies only the data that has changed since the last backup, while differential backup only copies data changed since the last full backup. The former is faster and more efficient than a full backup, but requires more complex recovery procedures and higher risk of data corruption. The latter is a compromise between full and incremental backups, offering faster recovery than an incremental backup but requiring more storage space and time than a full backup.

2 Data backup locations

When it comes to storing your backup data, there are different locations to consider based on the level of security, accessibility, and cost you need. The most common ones are local backup, cloud backup, and hybrid backup. Local backup involves storing your data on a physical device, such as an external hard drive or a USB flash drive, and is the cheapest and easiest way to do it. However, this method exposes your data to the same risks as the original data. Cloud backup involves storing your data on a remote server, such as a cloud service provider or a private network, and is the most secure and accessible way to do it. It does require higher costs and dependency on internet connectivity and third-party services, though. Hybrid backup is the most flexible and resilient way to back up data as it combines local and cloud backup; offering the benefits of both while mitigating their drawbacks.

3 Data recovery plans

Having a data backup is not enough; you must also have a data recovery plan, which consists of procedures and resources to restore your data in the event of a disaster. This plan should include recovery objectives, such as the recovery point objective (RPO), which is the maximum amount of data you can afford to lose, and the recovery time objective (RTO), which is the maximum amount of time you can be without your data. Additionally, the plan should include recovery methods that match your recovery objectives and backup methods, such as backup software and hardware. Lastly, it should include recovery roles and responsibilities for staff, vendors, and partners to ensure a smooth and coordinated recovery process. These roles may include a recovery manager, a recovery team, a backup provider, and a backup user.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?