February 2007 — News
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Data Protection: Make a Wise Decision
The first step is to identify and locate the files and folders to be included in a backup. Then, it is important to calculate the amount of storage space necessary to back up those files and folders, and possibly operating systems and application software.
Next, the IT manager must establish how large a backup window is available for executing the backup. Traditionally, backup was a "third shift" proposition where computer "dead time" was used for backup. But students, faculty, and staff have entered the world of 24/7 operation courtesy of the World Wide Web. Thanks to the Internet, records and inquiries can be serviced any time of the day or night. There is less and less time for backup, even in that third shift.
There are practical advantages to a short, speedy backup window. Availability is one: The faster the backup, the more duty cycles can be assigned to operational or transactional computing. Efficiency is another: It is possible to avoid idling staff unduly. Therefore, thoughtful planning for a rational backup window is important.
Finally, determine how the organization's business information grows; reflect on a one- and two-year cycle. This will help IT personnel select products that will scale over time, scalability being one sure way to keep up with data growth, which can be massive. The national averages vary between 25 percent and 50 percent growth per year, depending on the nature of the organization and the complexity of infrastructure.
With these basic questions answered, it is possible to work out a backup solution. The solution comes in two parts: the backup platform and the backup destination.
Backup platform
Selecting the backup software must involve the goals of capacity management, scalability, and speed discussed earlier. But there are other attributes that need to be discussed to make a sound backup decision.
Reliability is such an obvious attribute that it should go without saying. But solutions are a mixed bag, and the buyer needs to be aware of the degree to which the platform can be relied on.
Longevity is likewise an issue. The buyer must be certain that the solution will last over time. Some backups will not have to be accessed for some time, and the software platform will still need to operate. More importantly, technical support might be needed at some point in time. If the platform vendor is out of business, the organization might be in trouble.
Ease of use is going to be important both for the backup platform and the backup destination. In many settings, the person charged with the backup is not an IT professional. The responsible party might be an administrative employee, clerical staff, faculty, intern, or the department head who wears all the hats. Managing data can be complex, but the backup subsystem should be as simple as possible to save staff time and training expense.
Backup destination
