Backup Strategy For Your Business
Backup processes are one of the most important tasks in any business setting. In today’s business climate, data is one of the most valuable assets for any organization yet thorough backups are often overlooked. A thorough strategy should be implemented immediately if not already in place.
Steps for a thorough backup strategy
- Onsite backups performed at least daily.
- Offsite backups performed periodically.
- Onsite and offsite backups are automatic.
- Notifications are received on success and failure.
Software Based Backups
Software based backups consist of an agent installed on each computer, workstation, laptop, and server being backed up. If a server is the only device, then the agent is typically only on the server. The agent runs at a schedule time and pushes backup data automatically. Backups are typically saved to a local storage device. A good agent based process will then backup data to an offsite cloud environment simultaneously.
Hardware Based Backups
Hardware backups differ from software in that a device or appliance is installed on the network to manage backups. This appliance connects to each computer, workstation, laptop, and server being backed up. The appliance is responsible for maintaining a schedule and pulling backup data from each device being backed up. Appliances generally have a hard drive within the appliance where data is stored locally. Along with the local backup, backup data is simultaneously replicated to an offsite cloud environment.
File versus Image Level Backups
File backups are a copy of specified folders and files on the computer. Restoration from a total loss involves reinstalling the operating system, reinstalling all software, and restoring data. Image backups are a copy or clone of the entire hard drive including the operating system, all software, and all user data. Restoration from a total loss involves migrating the image to a new hard drive and restoring it. Once the image is restored, the computer or server is a replica of the last backup before the failure. Image backups are typically much faster restores and provide a more thorough solution.
What is best for my business?
It all comes down to budget in the end. Software based file backups tend to be the most cost effective. Hardware based image backups tend to be the most robust. The cost of downtime must be considered. If downtime is not an option, consider a budget for a higher end backup system. If downtime is acceptable, a good software based file backup will be extremely effective. In the end, ensure the 4 points above are met and you will be ahead of the curve. Visit our backup and recovery page for more options on how we can help.