Backups are one of the most important functions that an IT department/managed service provider can provide for your organisation. Technology is powerful, but also fickle, and an issue that occurs could cost tens of thousands of dollars, if not more, when an issue arises and no backup is available. In this article, there are some best practice guidelines to look out for when discussing backups with your IT help desk.
Use multiple forms
A backup that is in the same location as your main system can be handy in a pinch, but isn’t going to be valuable in a total disaster situation. Ensure that backups can be found in multiple places, such as on-site, off-site and the cloud. In doing this, it creates a situation where even if your first choice for recovery fails as well, there is a “Plan B”.
Archive backup
The idea of the ‘archive’ is that it is never written over, and rarely touched. It is usually a full backup of all systems, that is done maybe once a year. Most importantly though, this archive is stored very deliberately off-site, and away from any other systems. By doing this, even in a major catastrophe, systems can be restored as needed, even long after other data is lost or overwritten as part of the ‘standard’ backup solution.
Be a part of a simulation
Similar to ‘war games’ that you hear about militaries doing, your managed service provider should run through a ‘disaster simulation’ with you at least once. This is akin to a ‘what if’ scenario wherein the recovery procedures are tested against best practice, with any weaknesses analysed and improved upon after the simulation. This should be done on a test server (possibly hired on a temporary basis) to ensure no damage to important data. The main reason for practising your plan is that irretrievable data loss can be crippling to companies, sometimes lethally. From that, as they say, ‘if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail’.
Summary
Backups are pivotal to business continuity in the face of data loss, whether because of physical reasons (hardware failure) or software reasons (such as a virus). Best practices include having multiple instances of your backups, having an ‘archive’ backup, as well as testing out your recovery model. If you have any further questions on back up procedures or any other IT matter, get in touch today with Rapid IT at 1300 727 430.
