Implementing a Good Backup Process Is as Simple as "3 - 2 - 1"
The introduction of disk as a backup target has finally resulted in what many small and midsize businesses (SMBs) have wanted for years: a good copy of their backup data. Yet having a good copy of backup data on disk does not automatically mean they have put in place a good backup process. The good news is that creating a good backup process is as simple as "3 - 2 - 1."
Disk Does Not Fix the Backup Process
Backup has changed significantly since disk has become the preferred target for backup. High backup success rates (99% or greater,) shorter backup windows (approximately half the time as tape,) and less time spent handling tape and troubleshooting backups are why online disk is the new preferred backup target.
Yet while disk may have solved the "backup problem," disk does not fix the backup process. SMBs still need:
A good first backup is critical but only in the sense that it is a necessary first step every SMB must take in creating a good backup process. Once that good backup copy exists, solving the backup process is as simple as "3 - 2 - 1."
3 ... Create Three Copies of the Backup Data
SMBs must first ensure they create a sufficient number of backup copies so should one become corrupted they have other copies available. However they want to avoid creating so many copies that they reintroduce the administrative overhead they just eliminated.
The goal should be to keep the number of backup copies at three. Three copies provides a sufficient level of protection that even in the unlikely event should first or second copy of data become unavailable, a third copy still exists.
However simply creating multiple copies of data is not enough. SMBs need to pay attention as to what type of media these copies are placed and where these copies are stored.
It is almost given that online disk is where the first backup copy should reside. However it is advisable to store the second copy of data on near line media such as removable disk (RDX) or
tape. Storing this copy on this near line media serves three purposes.
It is as SMBs look to create three copies of data that the product that hosts the initial backup copy takes on added importance. While its support of online disk is almost imperative, many solutions offer this.
The key is to identify a solution that support near line media, data replication and automates the creation of each of these additional copies of data. Absent these features, an SMB may have "solved" backup but will now be left to manually manage the backup process.
Appliances such as the Imation DataGuard address these concerns about manual management of the backup process. It supports online disk as well as near line RDX media and data replication. Maybe most importantly, it automates the backup process as SMBs may schedule the creation of these backup copies and then either place them on the right media or replicate data to another site.
2 ... Store Data on at Least Two Types of Media
Keeping all data on a single medium (usually online disk) may sound like a good idea on the surface. However using at least two media types offers at least four additional benefits for SMBs which include:
DataGuard also supports cloud connectivity which is rapidly moving up the list in terms of importance. Through its connectivity with Amazon AWS, DropBox and any OpenStack-based cloud provider, SMBs have access to yet a third media type to store their data offsite.
1 ... Secure Site
Storing backup offsite is a prerequisite to implementing a viable backup process but a second site only makes sense if it is secure. Keeping an RDX or tape cartridge in the backseat of a car or in a garage may meet the technical definition of "offsite" but they provide no assurance that the data is recoverable and they certainly are not secure.
A secondary site that is secure is all about having confidence in the backup process. Should a catastrophic event occur, an SMB needs to know where the backup copy of data is, that it is secure and that the data is retrievable. Further, they should have more than one method to either get or retrieve data from this site.
Using DataGuard, SMBs get three options to place and retrieve data from a secure offsite location. They may use DataGuard to replicate data to a DataGuard appliance at another site; they may store backup data on an RDX cartridge and then move it to a secure site; or, they may configure DataGuard to store backup data with a cloud provider.
The Countdown to a Viable Backup Process Starts with Imation DataGuard
SMBs may have solved "backup" by introducing disk as a backup target but their backup processes still need some attention. Having confidence that a backup copy will be there when they need requires SMBs to create an appropriate number of backup copies, store them on at least two media types and have a secure site to store the data.
Using Imation DataGuard SMBs get more than a "disk-based backup target" that provides them with online disk for their initial backup copy. It also lays the foundation for them to put a viable backup process in place that makes the implementation of an automated backup process as easy as "3 - 2 - 1."
Disk Does Not Fix the Backup Process
Backup has changed significantly since disk has become the preferred target for backup. High backup success rates (99% or greater,) shorter backup windows (approximately half the time as tape,) and less time spent handling tape and troubleshooting backups are why online disk is the new preferred backup target.
Yet while disk may have solved the "backup problem," disk does not fix the backup process. SMBs still need:
- Multiple copies of data to prevent against loss or corruption
- Data offsite for disaster recovery and business continuity
- Data stored on multiple copies of media to mitigate cost concerns
- Data secured to prevent it from being compromised
A good first backup is critical but only in the sense that it is a necessary first step every SMB must take in creating a good backup process. Once that good backup copy exists, solving the backup process is as simple as "3 - 2 - 1."
3 ... Create Three Copies of the Backup Data
SMBs must first ensure they create a sufficient number of backup copies so should one become corrupted they have other copies available. However they want to avoid creating so many copies that they reintroduce the administrative overhead they just eliminated.
The goal should be to keep the number of backup copies at three. Three copies provides a sufficient level of protection that even in the unlikely event should first or second copy of data become unavailable, a third copy still exists.
However simply creating multiple copies of data is not enough. SMBs need to pay attention as to what type of media these copies are placed and where these copies are stored.
It is almost given that online disk is where the first backup copy should reside. However it is advisable to store the second copy of data on near line media such as removable disk (RDX) or
tape. Storing this copy on this near line media serves three purposes.
- If the primary copy is corrupted or the media fails, the data is readily accessible
- Near line media such as removable disk (RDX) or tape do not require power
- It positions SMBs to move data offsite using physical media
It is as SMBs look to create three copies of data that the product that hosts the initial backup copy takes on added importance. While its support of online disk is almost imperative, many solutions offer this.
The key is to identify a solution that support near line media, data replication and automates the creation of each of these additional copies of data. Absent these features, an SMB may have "solved" backup but will now be left to manually manage the backup process.
Appliances such as the Imation DataGuard address these concerns about manual management of the backup process. It supports online disk as well as near line RDX media and data replication. Maybe most importantly, it automates the backup process as SMBs may schedule the creation of these backup copies and then either place them on the right media or replicate data to another site.
2 ... Store Data on at Least Two Types of Media
Keeping all data on a single medium (usually online disk) may sound like a good idea on the surface. However using at least two media types offers at least four additional benefits for SMBs which include:
- Cost. Keeping all data on online disk incurs ongoing operational costs plus it has upper storage capacity limits. Near line media provides SMBs with access to essentially limitless capacity which they may add as needed when needed.
- Performance. Use the right media for the right data. Higher performing media facilitates faster backups and recoveries while aging backup copies may be stored on more economical near line media.
- Portability. Moving copies of backup data offsite is almost imperative. Data replication and removable media are needed to satisfy this requirement.
- Security. Keeping all data online exposes SMBs to risks they sometimes forget about it such as hackers, viruses and user error. Encrypting and/or storing it offline it minimizes the possibility of accidental or malicious data corruption or deletion.
DataGuard also supports cloud connectivity which is rapidly moving up the list in terms of importance. Through its connectivity with Amazon AWS, DropBox and any OpenStack-based cloud provider, SMBs have access to yet a third media type to store their data offsite.
1 ... Secure Site
Storing backup offsite is a prerequisite to implementing a viable backup process but a second site only makes sense if it is secure. Keeping an RDX or tape cartridge in the backseat of a car or in a garage may meet the technical definition of "offsite" but they provide no assurance that the data is recoverable and they certainly are not secure.
A secondary site that is secure is all about having confidence in the backup process. Should a catastrophic event occur, an SMB needs to know where the backup copy of data is, that it is secure and that the data is retrievable. Further, they should have more than one method to either get or retrieve data from this site.
Using DataGuard, SMBs get three options to place and retrieve data from a secure offsite location. They may use DataGuard to replicate data to a DataGuard appliance at another site; they may store backup data on an RDX cartridge and then move it to a secure site; or, they may configure DataGuard to store backup data with a cloud provider.
The Countdown to a Viable Backup Process Starts with Imation DataGuard
SMBs may have solved "backup" by introducing disk as a backup target but their backup processes still need some attention. Having confidence that a backup copy will be there when they need requires SMBs to create an appropriate number of backup copies, store them on at least two media types and have a secure site to store the data.
Using Imation DataGuard SMBs get more than a "disk-based backup target" that provides them with online disk for their initial backup copy. It also lays the foundation for them to put a viable backup process in place that makes the implementation of an automated backup process as easy as "3 - 2 - 1."
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