The scale of data, the value of that data to the enterprise, and a scourge of legal mandates dramatically alter all of IT – especially backup. Today you need access to a lot more data for longer periods. Backup has moved from a mechanical process to one of strategic importance.
Backups need to guarantee you can recover data when it's lost, deleted, destroyed, or disappears for any reason.
The most significant backup challenge is that "strategy" is often confused with "tools." Software and hardware play central parts in any backup system, but the availability of tools does not guarantee a sound backup practice.
For example, a virtual tape library (VTL) running from ArcServe doesn't mean that crucial data is being backed up adequately, or is even recoverable. You need to ensure that your tools are being used properly.
Request a Backup Discovery Session from Mosaic
If you're evaluating your backup/recovery systems we offer a free Backup Discovery Session. One of our SE's will – either in person or via Webex or phone – provide you with an expert independent sounding board for your planning.
We are familiar with all the available backup solutions – both hardware and software. We can help you determine if the tools you have can be adapted or where it makes sense to invest in alternatives. There is no cost associated with this service.
Strategy Before Technology
There’s too much data to back up and not all data is essential to daily business operations. Define your strategy first.
- The most comprehensive backup plan is useless without a close consideration of Recovery Point Objective (RPO) and Recovery Time Objective (RTO)
- RTO -- identify and prioritize mission-critical applications and determine how quickly those applications need to be recovered in an emergency.
- RPO – let business units determine backup frequency and schedule for each data type.
- Assign an appropriate retention period for each data type
- Identify the available backup window and select a technology, or multiple technologies, to achieve backup or restoration objectives.
It’s Always about Recovery
No one ever lost their job for missing a backup window -- not being able to recover your Exchange server could cost you your job.
