Backup software and hardware to save your important data, or your entire digital file, is a very important item in your digital world. As almost everything is digital information now, it can be wiped out with an untold number of disasters. From the coffee on the laptop to the lighting storm, your data is always under threat.
No one wants to lose their business plans, nor the family photos. But software and hardware can be expensive, hard to use, and ill fitted to the job. We are going to look at some basic things to consider before you plunk down your cash.
Types of Files
The types of files to backup will have a lot to do with the solution that you select. If they are individual files that you access one at a time, like word processing documents, vacation photos, that favorite music from Van Halen, etc., then almost any commercial backup software will do. Almost all backup software will copy and store individual files.
If backing up files that are in use, you do have to be more cautious in your selection of drive backup software. For business computer networks that have shared email systems or document libraries, the main data files are always open. Backing up those files will take software that understands how to take a “snapshot” of the current state of the shared files. Data files used by Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft SQL Server are examples of such files. Drive backup software that knows the commands necessary to back up the files correctly is going to be more costly.
You must know the types of files you are using that required that kind of support, and check that the software has all the options to deal with the files. Yes, I said options. Depending on the files, the software will require optional licenses to enable its ability to deal with those files correctly.
Size of Files
In relation to backups, size matters. If your drive backup software has to deal with huge files, then it must have special abilities to properly handle those files. Typically, this is a 2 gig limit. This is not just a business related issue, either. With video and other media files, it is easy to exceed the 2 gig limit. Estimate the largest files that you will potentially backup, and verify that you are getting software that can backup files of that size. As with types of files, check to see if the drive backup software will require special options.
How Fast to Backup
If you can only have the computer tied up for a short period, speed real matters. You will want to have software that can either work in the background, or can copy the disk directly. Even with the software working in the background, you may find that you do not like how sluggish the computer is. The best thing to do is decide on a period of time that you do not need the computer. Estimate how much data you have to backup. Then find disk backup software and media to that can accomplish the job within that time period.
How Fast To Retrieve
When you find you need to retrieve a file or an entire computer drive, speed is very important. How the drive backup software organizes the files, levels of incremental, etc., will determine how fast information can be retrieved. Normally, imaging software can give you the quickest retrieval, as it can mount the backup and allow you to access it as a virtual disk drive.
Backup to What?
The type of backup media has changed in recent years. Tape used to be the king here for any sizable backups. Now, portable hard drives have become the media of choice. They have faster backup and restore speeds, which is huge plus. Check what types of media are supported by the software. Again, you will need to check if certain additional optional licenses are required for your choice of media.
Desired Frequency
How often to backup is a decision based on the types of data and the tolerance for risk. Larger companies have to backup multiple times every day due to the sheer volume of data that is constantly changing. Many even have virtual instantaneous backup that occurs in real-time. These are way beyond the normal business’s or individual’s needs.
If you need more than daily backups, check that the drive backup software has a strong method for tracking all the backups.
How Long to Retain
You should consider how long you want to keep old backups. If you have an obligation to retain compute records for a specified number of years, then check that the software can accommodate that. A robust tracking system in the software will allow for retrieval of files stored and archived from previous years.
Off-site Storage Requirements
It is always wise to have a recent copy of your data outside the office or home. Some software will allow you to make backups that you can remove from the computer’s location, and not be confused when you reconnect that backup media later. Some drive backup software will even let you backup over the internet to a datacenter, fulfilling regulatory requirements. Check any off-site data backup storage requirements that you will need to comply with.
Don’t Go It Alone
See. There is a lot of stuff to consider. Fortunately, there is very good drive backup software on the market. Even small businesses have affordable advanced backup software created just for them. If you have any requirements that are more than just simple file backups, please check with a professional IT person. Heck, check with one even if you think you only need simple file backups. They can help you understand the feature list and double speak from backup software vendors.
