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August 4, 2006
• Vol.28 Issue 31
Page(s) 30 in print issue
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Top Backup Tips
Experts Tell Their Best-Kept Secrets
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Data center managers are always on the lookout for improving their network backup processes. We interviewed just over half a dozen “backup and recovery” experts, that is, companies that specialize in backup and recovery software, hardware, and/or data retrieval services. We asked them to provide us with their best backup tips (as related to speed, costs, and administration), but not just the obvious stuff; we wanted their secrets—those special tips that most people don’t consider when developing a backup plan.
Everyone agreed that frequent backups are vital and should be performed daily, at a minimum. They should be monitored, checked, and verified to ensure that all the necessary files are backed up, including the settings and configuration files.
“And if you plan to back up a server,” says Carlo Alpuerto, IT manager of Acronis, “remember that you need more than just the OS, applications, and user files—you need all of the configuration files, updates, security patches, and the like.”
“In addition,” says Peter Carroll, founder and chief technology officer at Data Deposit Box, “be sure to back up the PCs, not just the servers. If you have a traveling executive with a laptop, they are also traveling with data stored on their local hard disk.”
 Tip #1: Train Multiple Staff Personnel To Perform The Backups
Cross training is the cornerstone for every task in every organization, no matter the size of the company. Why would you back up your data and not the staff who performs those backups? You can’t afford to lose a single hour of data, and the person who performs the backups is just as vital as the backups themselves.
“Regular training on your back-up software/procedures is a must,” says Kevin Harris, CTO of Arnold Communications. “It is important to ensure that more than one person is fully capable of recovering a single file, a server, or entire infrastructure. Lack of knowledge during time of crisis will impact your confidence and ability to recover.”
Tip #2: Continuous vs. Scheduled Backups
Database and other file backups are completely different: Databases are dynamic, always changing from minute to minute, while other files only change when they’re saved. Continuous backups ensure that your dynamic data is always current.
“Choose continuous backup solutions,” says Craig Randall, vice president of operations at Availl. “They eliminate the possibility of data loss between scheduled backups since data is secured as it changes. IT staffs should look for true, continuous backup vs. just preset restore points.”
Tip #3: Security
Security is always a crucial issue, especially with backups. You must protect your data from theft, hackers, and spammers and from infection. If you back up a virus, you'll be restoring that virus. Be sure your backups are clean, and consider encrypting your data to protect it from hackers.
“Weekly reports of private data being lost and/or stolen should stop you dead in your tracks, making sure that you are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the security of your backup data,” says Harris. “No matter what type of backup you are doing, encrypt it. And remember to manage your encryption keys very well. If you lose them (which is easy to do in a disaster), you’ve lost access to your backup.”
Tip #4: Test Restores Frequently
Our panel of experts agreed that the restoration process should also be tested frequently. “While the daily challenge is to get a successful backup,” says Harris, “many people overlook the more important challenge of being able to recover that data. Ensure that your backups are successful by performing restores. Successful restores prove that your backups are truly successful.” 
by Julie Sartain
Best Tip: Location Is The Most Important Consideration
“Store backup data in a geographically remote location. If you are affected by a disaster, will your backup vendor also be affected? Storing data in a geographically remote location is the ‘not so obvious tip.’ If your office is destroyed due to flooding, what are the odds your local storage company is also?” says Data Deposit Box’s Peter Carroll.
“Establish a relationship with a data recovery company as a part of your overall network backup procedures. At some point, it is likely that you will experience problems with your backup system that will require data recovery. It is best to have your recovery provider selected ahead of time so you don’t prolong downtime when disaster strikes,” says Jim Reinert, senior director of software and services at Ontrack Data Recovery.
“And for small networks, consider intranet peer-to-peer backup, which leverages free space on your desktop hard drives. P2P backup may be the most cost-effective desktop and laptop backup solution around,” says Lakshmanan Narayan, vice president of marketing at Vembu Technologies.
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XOSoft Enterprise Rewinder Product Suite for CDP
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