Data backup, offsite data backup, online data backup, automated data backup, remote back-up, disaster recovery, databackup, backup direct, direct backup

Some facts about tape backups

< return to homepage

Using tapes to perform backup on a daily basis, you are still at risk of losing a days work if the tape backup is performed every evening, for example. The Databax system can back up periodically throughout the day (at no extra charge!) to keep the risk of data loss to an absolute minimum.
How much would a lost days work, data input, client orders, etc, cost your business? You probably don’t want to think about it…. BUT YOU SHOULD. There is every chance that this is the best case scenario if you are using tape…. Worst case is that none of the tapes work, or the tape drive fails and it transpires that the tapes have been damaged…. You get the picture.
To perform tape backup properly requires a rigorous routine, which should be implemented as follows:

1. Use a different tape for each backup on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (4 tapes).
2. Use a different tape each Friday during the month (4-5 tapes)
3. Re-use the Monday-Friday tapes, but check how often they should be replaced…
4. Use a different tape for each month end.

To ensure your data is properly backed up and protected for a 12 month period therefore requires a minimum of TWENTY ONE tapes! This assumes all of your data will fit on one tape – if not, tapes will need to be changed, mid cycle, when they are full.
They need labelling, storing correctly (offsite – otherwise in the event of a fire or explosion they would be destroyed!) in the right sequence, and most importantly testing periodically to ensure the entire process isn’t a complete waste of time!
Some causes of tape failure include:

Poor storage
Constant re-use in excess of manufacturers recommendations~
Untrained users
Dirty/ poorly maintained equipment
Out of date tapes
Harsh/Aggressive environment (magnetic interference, dropped tapes)

"Store your tapes properly. With backup tapes on site, keep them stored in a stable environment, without extreme temperatures, humidity or electromagnetism. Do not, for instance, store the tapes in a safe on the opposite side of the wall from a large generator,whose electrical fields can wreck havoc with the data on them"

(Source: Mac User)
There are just two different kinds of computer user in this world; those who have experienced hard disk failure, and those who are going to. How catastrophic a disk failure is depends on one thing - the state of your backups.
Not surprisingly, 99% of the companies we speak to don’t even come close to performing this routine, especially checking that the backups actually work – everyone is busy, it’s a chore…. So they are at risk of losing ALL of their business critical data.
Can you put a price on this? For many companies, this would spell the end of their business – but they continue to take risks in this way. For an affordable monthly charge, Databax can eliminate all of the hassles and risks associated with data backup. If you feel its time you addresses this exposure within your business, contact Databax NOW.
Don’t put it off – every day you leave it is another day you are at risk of going out of business.

To ensure no data is lost, the minimum number of tapes you should use is 20 (this gives no redundancy for tape loss) as follows:
Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs (assumes no weekend work) = 4 tapes.
Then reuse Mon-Thurs but a new tape for Friday do this 4 times (one month) = 4 tapes, then use 12 tapes for month end.
The problem using this method is that what happens if a tape breaks/damaged.
If the PC/Server is stolen or damaged the tape goes with it and in case of fire possibly any tape still on site.
Remember: Will the full backup fit on 1 tape if not someone will have to be there to swap tapes and this doubles the amount of tapes and the chances of failure.
Causes of Tape failure:

Constant reuse
Poor storage
Untrained users
Dirty/ poorly maintained equipment
Out of date tapes
Harsh/Aggressive environment (magnetic interference, dropped tapes)

"Store your tapes properly. With backup tapes on site, keep them stored in a stable environment, without extreme temperatures, humidity or electromagnetism. Do not, for instance, store the tapes in a safe on the opposite side of the wall from a large generator, whose electrical fields can wreck havoc with the data on them"
Quote Mac User volume 16 issue 11, May 26th 2000.
There are just two different kinds of computer user in this world; those who have experienced hard disk failure, and those who are going to. How catastrophic a disk failure is depends on one thing - the state of your backups.

< Back to homepage