I have had some clients ask me about the protection of their data in relation to how safe it is. These clients have also asked me how fast could they get back to normal operation in the event of a disaster. These are really good questions and I will address both of them together. How safe is your data? Well, it depends what type of backup strategy is in place and has it been tested. The answer some may give to this question is; We perform a tape backup every night and they are full backups. Others may say that they perform a full backup once a week and then only backup what has changed since the previous backup. This can be a particularly touchy subject because the fact of the matter is that TAPE BACKUP is "not" Business Continuity.
Tape Backup was good in its time, but the need for a more reliable solution for business data is here and needs to be met. Lets say that your server crashes and needs to be restored. What is the process for this?
· Buy servers compatible with your software
· Make sure it has a tape drive compatible with your tape
· Load the server software and set up your users with the correct security rights
· Install your application programs on PC’s
· Reconfigure your routers, switches, firewall, and Internet
· Reload your data from tape backup
It may take weeks to get a server and have it properly configured. How will you get replacement programs, particularly if you use a specialized program unique to your industry? Finally, if it takes 8 hours to backup your data onto tape, after your server is configured it will take the same amount of time to reload it from the tape.
Examining all of the above information may seem like a lot. The answer for true business continuity is here. Solutions that can backup, co-locate, and host your data are the only types of backup solutions that I would recommend. I have put together a solution that addresses all of the needs that a business may require. Using a local NAS (Network Area Storage) appliance to backup data then securely transmit the data to a co-location facility that then replicates the data to another facility we can ensure the safety of the data. Also available at the co-location facility are emergency standby silos that can be utilized in the event of disaster to host the client environment. The appliance that is installed at the client site is also capable of this task in the case of a failed server. The standby silos would only be used if the client site suffered a catastrophic event. In these case of a silo activation the environment can be up and running within 48-12hrs.
It is my belief that this type of solution is the answer that small to medium sized businesses have been looking for to protect themselves. End to End Enterprise level solution for the SMB.
Let me know your thoughts on this.
