Back-Up and Disaster Recovery Solutions

In this uncertain world having a disaster recovery plan for your data is critical. It's not just an issue of backing up your data
but having a solution in place that mirrors your data in a separate geographic area. By using two or more mirrored repositories,
one at your location and one off site, you can (connected via the internet or other WAN) have an automated solution without
having to physically remove discs from your site each night. Because optical discs are not affected by strong magnetic forces
and have an archive life of over 100 years your data is safe.

Everyone agrees backing up files is important but the 'what' and 'when' is often confused with 'why'.
Many times the terms 'back-up" and 'archiving' are used together or are confused as the same thing.
The key word in both processes is: DATA MANAGEMENT. However that's where the similarities vanish.

Data Backup Management Defined:
Data backup is a specialized function in that files and applications are written to disc, tape or hard drive.
Data can be written as incremental or full data set. Typically the operation is automated so no user intervention is needed.
Backup operations require the application be restored using the past data sets. Incremental backup restores require the
earliest data set be restored first followed by each successive incremental backup job. A full back-up job does not
require the successive restoration of each job but takes much longer when running a back-up job. Backups are designed for
speed and application/file restoration. They are not designed for finding (searching) a specific document or email and do
not function in this capacity. Backups are a three step process: backup data, store backup, restore process (which may have
a number of steps involved depending on backup strategy).

Data Archiving Management Defined:
Archival storage is storage for data that may not be actively needed but is kept for possible
future use or for record-keeping purposes. Archival storage uses specialized software that provides lifecycle management and search
functions that allow for specific files or data to be accessed. Unlike data back-up it's designed to directly access the data
and does not require a restore operation (which may require a application or database to be rebuilt). Data archiving is a real
time process in which files are migrated to different storage systems depending on real time requirements of speed and access.
If a file is not accessed often it is moved to a near line storage device or completely offline.

The key to all this is 'management'. A disc you burn of files on your hard drive is not a managed archive or back-up.
The only element of managing is you (or your staff) physically writing the date and files on the disc and putting it where you
can find it. If any changes happen to the files on the disc it's up to you or your staff to remember to make another copy of the
file or files and replace the current copy with a 'new' copy. At any point when the need arises to restore the data or access
the archive data you are at the mercy of the last disc copy (or whatever media type you used and if you can find it) and hope
it's the most current version. Many times it is not and ends up costing your company time and money.

Data management eliminates uncertainty and provides a level of safety and security. Data and lifecycle management introduce pre-defined
automation that practically eliminate the 'human factor' that leads to many unsuccessful data recovery and file access operations.

Mirroring the first library provides both back up protection and disaster recovery. A branch office can have a library archiving
the day to day data with the second library at the corporate headquarters enabling a better ability to audit records and preserve data.

How We Can Help

Our DAS Consultants will prepare a Needs Analysis statement based on your business requirements.
We have a variety of solutions for all types of business - large and small.

Call us at 888-395-6396 or email us for a No Cost, No Obligation Consultation.