Tandberg Data shows how to keep data out of harm’s way

 

By Simon Anderson, Product Manager, Tandberg Data

 

Beware of new storage technologies like disk-to-disk and inexpensive hard drives: they may offer extra space for data files, but they do not provide proper data backup and protection.

 

Data protection best practices require regular backups to tape, adherence to a proper tape rotation schedule, and off-site storage practices. So users requiring disk-disk near-line backup and restore capability must be sure to build in that last important step: disk-disk-tape that delivers a solid backup plan.

 

Backing up workstation hard drives and network servers is an unpopular chore, but easier methods and smarter technology can help.  Tape is an ideal storage medium capable of storing high capacities of information at relatively low cost, and is also perfect for archiving because it allows cartridges to be stored off-site.

 

Two situations must occur for data to be lost: first the data is not backed up, and secondly the original copy is lost or corrupted. Human error accounts for one-third of all data loss occurrences.

 

Disaster recovery tends to be equated with serious data loss, but network administrators also find themselves responding to the loss of a laptop, a forgotten password on a ‘locked’ laptop, misplaced disks, or over-written files. And, occasionally, a crashed hard drive. According to InfoStor, problems arise from: natural disaster 3 per cent, virus 6 per cent, software or program corruption 14 per cent, human error 33 per cent, and hardware or system fault 44 per cent.

 

A significant issue is the inability to restore backed-up data. Again, human error factors in about one-third of the time.  Reasons for failed data restoration include: media failure, human error, software failure, network failure, hardware failure.  Such problems can be overcome by processes that prevent inadvertent over-writing of backup media and provide for good organisation of rotating backup libraries.   

 

Continuous backup of all files is neither practical nor affordable. So opt for frequent backups of the most critical files that are revised and accessed often, and work towards less frequent backups of systems files. However, the sooner older data is archived, the smaller the backup data set will be.

 

So when do you back up?  Develop a ‘backup window’ either when network demands are low, or by using an open file solution that allows backups while in use. Then implement a strategy that utilises partial, incremental, and differential backups as well as less frequent full system backups.

 

There are trade-offs between full and partial backups – essentially in time, cost and speed. To save on restore time and hassle in the event of data loss, choose a plan that includes full and differential backup. You can always perform a selective backup of critical files at any time. And don’t forget the data stored on desktop workstations and notebooks.

 

For differential backups, the volume of data (and time required for backup) increases throughout the week. Incremental backup requires fewer tapes and less time; however, consider the performance trade-offs. Two tape rotation methods are commonly used:

 

1)       Six-tape (or tape set) rotation. This comprises two (alternating) full backup tapes and one partial backup tape/day. (Based upon a 5-day work week.) Expanding to seven tapes gives a separate full backup for off-site storage, and avoids overwriting the only full backup copy.

 

2)      Grandfather-father-son scheme. This requires about 20 tapes (or tape sets for larger amounts of data.) It utilises Partial Backups on a daily basis on the “son” tapes, full backup weekly on the “father” tapes, and full backup monthly on the “grandfather” tapes.

 

A key reason to consider business-class backup software is reliability when integrating full and incremental backups. Ultimately, the Disaster Recovery choice boils down to:  performance (and reliability); capacity; and price.

 

A solid disaster recovery strategy is critical for any organisation, and is manageable when separated into its three core elements: backup, secure, restore. A balanced backup strategy helps protect critical, changing data frequently, while allowing appropriate backup of systems and setup files and expensive application programs:

 

•  Data files = daily.

•  System and setup files = weekly.

•  Application programs = once.

 

Tape rotation and tape planning, as well as on or off-site tape storage, are also key factors to be balanced with expense and need.

 

About Tandberg Data

 

Tandberg Data is a leading global supplier of data protection technologies.  Tandberg Data offers of a complete range of tape libraries, tape autoloaders and tape drives (based on the LTO™, SLR™, and VXA® tape technology platforms), storage software, data media and disk-based storage such as the RDX® QuikStor™.  These solutions are marketed exclusively through a channel of qualified resellers and distributors.

 

These solutions are underpinned by OEM agreements with major server manufacturers including IBM, Hitachi, Fujitsu, Fujitsu-Siemens, Apple, and Dell and supported by all major operating systems and storage software applications to operate in heterogeneous network environments.  All solutions are designed to meet the growing storage requirements of small and medium-sized organisations with scalability, reliability, and backward compatibility features that ensure cost effective operation and long-term investment protection. 

 

In addition to corporate offices in Oslo, Norway, TANDBERG DATA ASA has subsidiaries in the USA, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan and Singapore, as well as branch offices in Italy, and China (PRC) and Brazil.  TANDBERG DATA ASA is a publicly held company based in Oslo, Norway and is traded on the Oslo Stock Exchange (ticker=TAD).

 

TD Asia is headquartered in Singapore, with centralised Sales, Marketing, Finance, Administration, Logistics, Technical and a state-of-the-art Service and Repair Centre to cater for consumer needs worldwide.

 

APAC address:

7 Tai Seng Drive, #02-00 Singapore 535218

For further information, please visit http://www.tandbergdata.com/apac

 

RDX QuikStor and SLR are trademarks of Tandberg Data ASA. VXA is a registered trademark of Tandberg Data ASA. RDX is a registered trademark of ProStor Systems, Inc. LTO is a trademark of HP, IBM and Quantum. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

 

For more information

 

David Frost, PR Deadlines Pty Ltd

+612-4341 5021 or 4341 5021

davidf@prdeadlines.com.au

 

Mr Lim Cheng Chuan, Country Manager (Australia & New Zealand)

Mobile: +61(0)-404 135 813

Email: lim.cheng.chuan@tandberg.com.sg

 

Huang Yanyi, Tandberg Data (Asia) Pte Ltd

+65-6396 0786 or mobile +65-9232 9966.

huang.yanyi@tandberg.com.sg