Backup Service – Why Backup ?

Backups are taken of data on servers to protect against losing the data on the server itself. Should the data on the server become unusable then a backup copy can be restored onto the failed or a replacement server. Examples of the types of events that can cause the data on a server to become unusable are :-

  • Fire, bomb and other catastrophic event, natural and manmade.

This is the event that is typically quoted as the reason for backups, without which it is not possible to reinstate the server’s data.

  • Disk failure

During the last decade disks have become very reliable, lulling people into a false sense of security. Disks are mechanical devices operating at very close tolerances, they will fail eventually, and it is impossible to predict with certainty when any particular disk will fail.

  • Data corruption

Data can be corrupted by software bugs in programs, operating systems and controllers, sudden loss or power, power surges, lightening or simply running out of disk space.

  • Malicious attack

Either from an external agency such as a virus, or internally by disgruntled employees.

  • Human Error

This can range from the accidental deletion of a single file to deletion of a database or reformatting of a disk.

It is possible to reduce the risk by providing an infrastructure that mitigates some of the risks, such as :-

Fire alarm, smoke and burn sensors (1)

Water, temperature and humidity sensors (1)

Use of RAID (Redundant array of inexpensive disks) technology (1)

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) (1)

Enterprise monitoring (1)

Anti-virus products

Vetting Employees

Training of employees

Effective Operational Procedures

Note (1) These are only effective if monitored and responded to 24x7.