There are many different backup solutions, which vary in both architecture and methodology. One of the areas that have differentiated backup solutions is how tapes are rotated and what files get backed up to which tape.

When looking into how you are going to develop your backup strategy and rotation method, it is important to look at what data is on your system, how critical it would be if some data were lost, how fast a system would need to be operational if the system did become damaged or inoperative, and the cost in time and money to replace lost information.

Backup Administrators

Every business should back up their data. I recommend to all my customers that they should assign one individual who is responsible and accountable for administrating the backup to make sure it is successfully completed on a consistent and routine basis. A routine schedule is very important. Assign a person responsible to check the backup job, the number of files backed up, the error log and to rotate and label the tapes.

Data (Media) Security

Tape backups are usually performed on the File Servers tape backup. Most Servers are in a secure area. In any event, you need to consider that all your confidential information resides on anywhere from several tapes to only one tape. You have to make sure that someone cannot steal your tape. One thing I recommend is to put a password on the tape so it cannot be restored without the password. Then write down that password and put into a fire proof safe.

Speaking of fire proof safes, many people think they are doing the right thing by putting their tapes in a Fire Proof Safe. However, they don't consider the heat that a fire generates. I suggest you be sure that your safe is Heat resistant as well as fire proof.

Verifying Successful Backups

It is not safe to assume that, once you have made a backup, the set of disks or cartridges or DVD's or External Hard Disk, contain a copy of the files that you backed up. The only guaranteed safe way to verify that a backup is complete and intact, is to attempt a restore of the data. Ensuring backup integrity is essential. If individual files from a backup or the entire backup image cannot be restored when needed, the backup is useless.

Cleaning The Tape Drive

Tape drives require cleaning because circulating air introduces debris into the tape path. In addition, polymers from the tape may stain the recording heads, particularly in environments that are very dry. When the recording heads get dirty, error rates may increase and backups can take longer because the tape drive has to rewrite the data in error. To maintain top performance, you must clean your tape drive regularly. Depending on the model of tape drive and the application software you are running, you may be notified that cleaning is required by a message from your software. Be sure to clean your tape drive after every 24 to 30 hours of tape motion or once a week. Also, you should always clean your tape drive after any media-related error occurs and after using a new media cartridge. To clean your tape drive, use the cleaning cartridge specifically designed for your tape drive.

Storing Tapes and Life Expectancy

Tests have shown when stored in the proper conditions, data can be successfully stored on DDS cartridges for ten years or more, and DLT cartridges have a life expectancy of at least 20 years. It seems likely that the actual data retention life is considerably longer. Read the media storage advice or caring instructions for detailed information. Always store the cartridges in a clean environment, and keep them in their plastic cases when not in use.

DDS cartridges should be stored at temperatures between 5°C and 40°C (40°F and 104°F) with a relative humidity of between 20% and 80%. You should always store DLT archival cartridges at temperatures between 18°C and 26°C (64°F and 79°F) with a relative humidity of between 40% and 60%. These rules especially apply in Puerto Rico where it is so hot year round.

Conclusion

Successful and reliable information backup solutions are critical to a company’s survival. Without them could be disastrous. The report from the University of Texas Center for Research on Information Systems states, “Of the companies that lose their data in a disaster, 90% are out of business within two years and nearly 50% never reopen their doors at all after the disaster! ”Protect your data by consistently and religiously ensuring your data is safe from disasters. 

Contact me, Dale Allen  today for your total backup solution. I recommend, a product that I have been using for YEARS, from Computer Associates. It is called BrightStor ARCserve Backup for Windows. I know this product inside and out and I can support it. It comes in a few flavors, but the most common is the one for the Small Business Server. There is an Enterprise version too..

Call me at 787-637-9100 or contact me and I can help you find the best solution for your business needs. 

• Cost estimating a potential disaster 
• Selecting a Backup Strategy
• Differential Backup's
• Incremental Backup's
• Protecting your Data
• Tower of Hanoi Tape Rotation
• Protecting your investments home page
• Check out our blog at www.daleallen.net where Robert Pajak has written an article about backups.

This page has been viewed   since 2010