Backup And Recovery

"RAID is not backup."

It’s a straightforward, seemingly simple statement, yes, but one many system administrators forget. Running a RAID 50 based around a rather large array of hard disks can make an IT man think he’s invincible, which is understandable, but very wrong. In fact, the importance of applications and data stored on typical corporate RAID systems makes proper and timely backup even more necessary than on simple office PCs. Keeping a stringent proactive backup plan for your RAID server is the best way to avoid an emergency RAID data recovery, which every company wants.

External Hard Drive Devices

Each year, prices for hard drives based on MB per dollar goes down measurably. While just a few years ago a 100GB drive was considered a large scale storage device, now a 2 terabyte (1000 GB) portable USB hard drive can be purchased for under $150. They are out there, to be sure, but nowhere near as commonly used as they should be. Backup remains a rather loose concept for many companies, despite the fact that its ability to prevent a disaster is proven effective time and time again. New hard drive technology ensure cost is no longer the barrier it was in the past.

Tape and External Cartridge Backups

Backing up a RAID is something that should be scheduled for a weekly, if not a daily basis. The backup software that accompanies many Tape and External cartridge systems can be very robust, and enable administrators to easily schedule automatic backups to occur during slow network times, such as in the middle of the night. These systems can be almost flawless in their execution, until they are not. This is why physically examining external tape and cartridge drives at least monthly is a necessary step for every prudent administrator. Backup tapes are being used less and less by organizations because of their slow speed and their in-built tendency to fail. But if you continue to use them, be sure to change the actual physical tape at least every couple of months, as the data contained within them is incredibly important.

Remote Backup Services

Some administrators use remote backup services to add another level of armor to their backup plans. At present, these are not extremely popular for backing up large RAID systems, if only because bandwidth still has to catch up to the resources required for transferring data. But having one’s data backed up off-site is a virtually fault-free way to keep your data safe during an emergency such as a fire or flood situation. Even a freak electrical problem can devastate a typical RAID, which makes the Remote Solution so superior. While RAID Data Recovery Services Group doesn’t recommend these services as a “one size fits all” backup solution, they are a good “backup of a backup”, and work especially well for ensuring the safety of the most critical data on your networks.

RDRSG offers backup consulting for organizations of all sizes. As an industry recognized RAID expert, we can help your company develop a backup plan that suits both your costs and your requirements. Contact us here to find out more.

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