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"It’ll never happen to me." – Data Backup Tips
Doug Maxwell, Insala Chief Technical Officer
We have seen an incredible number of catastrophic disasters
over the last several years. To think the unthinkable is not
possible is naïve at best. However, it is the less dramatic
day-to-day catastrophes that plague our businesses all too
often.
Iomega reports that an average business spends between
$100,000 and $1 Million per year due to data loss. In a
survey, after 5 years, only 7% of businesses that suffered a
serious data loss are still in business. These are dramatic
numbers despite the catastrophe that caused them.
While the complexity of backup procedures undoubtedly will
vary by business, below is a compilation of common data
backup strategy tips.
- Determine what data you need to backup. What is critical
or important to your business? Typically this is your
“Documents and Settings” folders if using a Windows based
computer.
- Be organized when naming and filing your electronic files
prior to beginning your backup program.
- Determine the best location for backups. If your area is
prone to flooding, the basement might not be the best place.
- Ensure the locations for your backups are secure and
environmentally protected. It does not matter how many locks
you have on your office door if you store your tape backup
in the trunk of your car.
- Make multiple copies of your backup (usually 3). For
example, make a full backup each weekend and a differential
backup daily.
- Plan for an off-site copy of your backup, preferably in a
different geographic location. Rotate these frequently such
as swapping out your weekly backup to an off-site location.
- Make backups a part of your routine, not the special case.
- Practice a backup and restoration procedure once a quarter
to ensure you are prepared in the event you need to be.
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