Data Backup Recovery

WHAT IS DATA BACKUP?

Data failures can be the result of hardware or software failure, data corruption, accidental deletion of data or a human-caused event, such as a malicious attack (virus or malware). In information technology, the purpose of data backup is to get a copy of computer data taken and stored elsewhere so that it may be used to restore the original after a data loss event. Wikipedia Storing the copy of the data on a separate medium is critical to protect against primary data loss or corruption. This supplemental medium can be an external drive, a USB stick, a disk storage system, cloud storage container or tape drive. It can be in the same location as the original data or at a remote location. However, in the case of serious weather-related events, it is best to have copies of the data at remote locations. For optimal results, backup copies should be made on a consistent, regular basis to minimize the amount data lost between backups. The more time passes between backup copies, the more potential for data loss when recovering from a backup. Retaining multiple copies of data provides the insurance and flexibility to restore to a point in time not affected by data corruption or malicious attacks.

WHAT IS DISASTER RECOVERY?

A disruptive episode can be anything that puts a company’s processes at risk, as in natural disasters, cyber attacks, power outages, and equipment failures. Disaster Recovery involves a set of policies, tools and procedures to enable the recovery or continuation of vital technology infrastructure and systems following a natural or human-induced cataclysmic event. Wikipedia.

Recovery from a backup typically involves restoring the data to the original location, or to a substitute location where it can be used in place of the lost or damaged data. The task of disaster recovery is for a business to continue operating as close to normal as possible. The function of a Disaster Recovery plan is to ensure that whatever happens, a businesses’ key data can be recovered and mission-critical applications will be brought back online in the shortest possible time.

A Disaster Recovery Plan for businesses must be clean, clear and concise. The simpler the better. The disaster recovery teams need to be able to execute the plans with ease and not be confused or challenged. The plan should include the following: ensuring a strategy that all critical information is backed up, identifying critical software applications and data and the hardware required to run them, prioritizing hardware and software restoration. Outlining of the priorities for system recovery, the recovery time objectives, recovery procedures, and testing dates for evaluating the plans strengths and weaknesses.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DATA BACKUP AND RECOVERY?

The sole purpose behind backup and recovery is that when a company’s data is unavailable, downtime is real and costs escalate. Both small to medium size businesses, as well as large corporations, need appropriate technology solutions to support business structure and goals. The benefits are immense:

Prevents data loss – It is not a matter of “if” but “when” a business may experience the catastrophic loss of data. The main reason for data backup is to save important files from a server down or hard drive failure. An IT Help Desk, Remote IT and onsite technology services can all facilitate the company in weathering the storm.
Improves productivity – When a data backup and recovery plan is in place, there is no extended loss of productivity by a company due to an unforeseen event. Cash flows, invoices are timely, orders are not lost, delivery dates will be met, and labor costs are reduced as staff will not work extra hours to recover from the downtime. If major business disruptions are anticipated and addressed, it’s certain that the negative consequences from an unexpected disaster will not have long-term implications that affect a company for years.
Gains competitively – Saved company data can be a competitive advantage because there are many businesses that fail to backup critical data information.
Preserves Customer/ and Client Relationships – Just like personal relationships, it’s important to cultivate and nurture customer and client relationships. When businesses develop strong relationships with their customers, it can build trust, loyal clients, positive word of mouth, value, and increased marketing and sales.
Provides Peace of Mind – In the event of a cybercrime, a system crash or a disaster, there is backup and recovery ready to restart a company’s archives and provide peace of mind. It is never too late to begin saving important company data. In the end, data backup and recovery are necessary to save the business from losing investors and customers and shutting down.

F.A.Q

Frequently Ask Questions

WHY BACKUP IS IMPORTANT TO BUSINESS?

Data failures can be the result of hardware or software failure, data corruption, accidental deletion of data or a human-caused event, such as a malicious attack (virus or malware). In information technology, backup is important to a business because in the event there is data loss, a copy of computer data taken and stored elsewhere, may be used to restore the original

WHAT IS THE BEST SOLUTION FOR BUSINESS DATA BACKUP?

The best solution for business data backup is the Cloud.

WHY BACKUP AND RECOVERY ARE IMPORTANT?

Backup and recovery are important because it restores data to the original or a substitute location where it can be used in place of the lost or damaged data. The task of disaster recovery is for a business to continue operating as close to normal as possible. The function is to ensure that whatever happens, a businesses’ key data can be recovered and mission-critical applications will be brought back online in the shortest possible time.

WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE OF BACKUP?

The advantage of backup is that it prevents data loss, provides quick access to files, protects against power failures, safeguards against hard drive failure, recovers when operating system fails, uses anti-virus protection, preserves trust with customers and client relationships, and gives peace of mind.

HOW DO YOU ENSURE A SUCCESSFUL BACKUP?

To ensure a successful backup, use the newest version of backup software. Set a time when the computer is functional and on. Break backup data into smaller sections. Avoid conflicts by making sure virus scans or other computer programs are not being done at the same time. Make certain backup copies have the same content as the original data file. Check that backup was successfully completed or failed. Follow up on the integrity of the backup file by periodically retrieving the backup file, open it on a separate system, and compare to the original file. Follow up to ensure backup is completed successfully.

WHAT ARE THE THREE BEST TYPES OF BACKUPS?

Backups may be local (onsite), remote (offsite) or hybrid (combination of local and remote). Backups consist of full, incremental, and differential. A full backup makes a copy of all data to another media such as a disk or tape. Incremental backup only backs up the information that has changed since the last backup occurred. Differential backup copies all data changed since the last full backup every time it is run.