Businesses thrive on data, and the loss of data can spell disaster for a business. Because of this, a considerable amount of research has gone into developing effective means of keeping data secure and backed up. Choosing the right technique for backing up data at a particular company, however, will require some research. Here is a brief overview of popular methods of backing up data and some of the advantages of each method.
- Traditional methods
The tape drive was the first popular method of backing up data. By making magnetic marks on recording tape, those who needed to keep backups of their data could keep physical copies nearby. While optical media and other physical means of backing up data have become popular, tapes are still widely used. Zip drives and other technology have been developed over the years, and some people rely on rewritable optical media. Those who only need occasional backups can use CD-R's and DVD-R's along with recordable Blu-rays. For small businesses, these traditional techniques can work well, and IT consultants can help small businesses implement a rotation system that works well for them.
- Inherent redundancy
Another option is to build redundancy into data storage. The most popular means of achieving this is using a RAID configuration. By splitting data between multiple hard drives, it is possible to recover lost data if one of the hard drives fails. The only way data can be completely lost is if two hard drives fail the same time, which is exceedingly unlikely. It should be noted, however, that this is not a true backup method, and contracts that require companies to back up data may not be satisfied by this technique. However, it is a great frontline defense against the loss of data, and companies that can afford RAID configurations are encouraged to do so.
- Online backups
In the past, Internet speeds were too slow to send significant quantities of data over. Today, however, broadband Internet access is available almost everywhere, and business Internet connections allow for high rates of transfer. As a result, many companies now offer online backups. There are a few advantages to choosing online backups. They remove much of the hassle of setting up a backup system. In addition, the data is stored in a location far away from your office; this ensures that data will still be available even in case fire or catastrophe strikes. Storage is fairly cheap these days, so online backups are more affordable than many imagine. For those who want a no-hassle solution, online backups may be their best bet.
- Choosing the best option
Fortunately, there are a wide range of viable options. All companies who rely on having data available at all times should install a RAID combination of hard drives. The cost of a RAID setup is not especially high, and being able to recover data quickly is useful. Businesses may also want to invest in an online backup solution. While tape backups can still work well, those implementing a new backup procedure will likely better be served by the simplicity of online backups. Each company has its own special needs, so talking with an IT consultant may be wise.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7517501
ليست هناك تعليقات:
إرسال تعليق