In the highly computerised world where we work, data is not only valuable, but it is volatile too. These two inherent characteristics of data make its protection a necessity. Almost all computer users make exact copies of the important data their computer holds. This process is called as creation of data back up. Its main advantage is that it entails unhindered business continuity even if data happens to get lost by circumstances beyond our control. Data backup allows retrieval of either the entire data or just a few needed files.
How is Data Backup Created?
Creating a backup for data is not as simple as it sounds. The true magnitude of the job would be revealed once you begin creating the backup. The entire operation must be well planned. Proper planning comprises of charting out a routine for both the short term and long term jobs.
Next, you have to identify the important data that necessitates protection via a backup. You might find this very first step difficult (like many other computer users.) Irreplaceable data generated by the computer user is important. All such data necessitates a backup protection. For example if you are planning to create a backup for your home pc the vital data would comprise of financial statements, tax details, important email, photographs, music and games downloaded, etc. For business enterprises crucial information ranges from accounting files to important emails containing client orders and delivery details of the purchases made.
Place the entire important data in a single drive. This speeds up the backup process.
Selection of the Proper Backup Device
Selection becomes a difficult, when it calls for a choice from a wide array of storage devices. Plenty of backup storage devices are available in the market.
The backup devices initially in use were the floppies. However, these have now turned obsolete for their low storage capacity. You can at best use them if you have to transport data.
CDs are being popularly preferred for their high storage capacity and faster data transfer rates. It takes just a few minutes to transfer 800MB of data into a CD. Its high storage capacity makes it possible to place all the data in few devices making it easier for you to store it too. CDs are highly portable, and this allows the advantage of offsite placement of the device. If you are planning to regularly update and store data of about 500 MB use a CD.
External hard drives are also an ideal storage media for they are easy to use and their failure rate is much lower than the CDs. This is the right backup storage device if you have a large data to store.
A tape drive (that reads and writes data on a magnetic tape) is also an ideal data storage media. It has a comparatively lower per unit cost of data storage and enables long archival life.
Your choice of the backup media should be based on the following considerations.
The amount of money you are willing to invest in creating a backup.
The quantum of data that requires storage (a device that hold maximum storage space enable data to be stored in as few devices as possible.)
Availability of storage space for backup devices (Some backup devices have automatic compression options. Data compression leads to occupancy of less storage space).
Consider the future probable increase in the quantum of data.
The time you can invest in backup creation.
The ease of data transfer and data retrieval.
Once you make a selection of the appropriate data storage device, it is vital that the process takes place regularly. Maintain a strict backup schedule depending upon the amount and importance of data generated. You should also well catalogue the backup media tat contains your data. Absence of a catalogue could also mean the loss of data for identifying data from the many storage devices is an extremely difficult job.
Whenever you plan to create a backup for your data remember that backups are effective only if you keep them regularly updated. However, making a back up for your data is not as simple as it appears. Many obstacles present themselves in the form of unavailability of skilled man power, time shortage, etc.
An ideal backup takes place during non busy business hours, of the encrypted and compressed data. Effective backup also entails easy data availability and restoration. Backup media should always be placed offsite for proper protection.
Threats to Electronic Data
While traditionally people used to worry about losing or misplacing the hard copy of their data, companies today are worrying about a wide gamut of threats ranging from virus attacks to terrorist attacks. Never before has our data been so vulnerable as it is today. Malicious users are well aware of the fact that data these days is valuable. They attempt to exploit the value of this data for their personal gains.
Electronic data is not a huge hit with nature either. All it takes is a miniscule amount of water or dust for the hard disk to lose all the data contained therein. Therefore, the impact of hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and tornadoes on your electronic data can be huge and often have disastrous consequences for the future of your business.
Is Backing Up Data Worth the Hassle?
With the threat of data loss looming large over our heads, can we afford to not back up our valuable data? The answer to the question is undoubtedly negative. Backing up data on a regular basis has become an essential part of companies? disaster planning or business continuity planning. Most people do not realise the impact of data loss until the data loss event actually strikes them.
Lost business, man-hours, customers, and business reputation can very well lead a company on a path to bankruptcy. While this may seem like an overstatement to you, real-life incidents can prove the disastrous consequences of data loss events. Most of the companies without adequate data backup procedures went bankrupt after 9/11 terror attacks.
Companies in the service industry usually face the toughest cut-throat competition wherein companies are always trying to woo the competitor's customers. Needless to say, it is the survival of the fittest. If a major data loss event hits this company, it would ideally have to cut down on its business downtime to the maximum so that the customers are not widely hit by the downtime.
How can a company make this possible? It is only possible if the company has efficient data backup procedures that can enable it to access its data even during the time of crisis. If it is able to do it, the company can continue to serve its customers while the IT department works on recovering the original data. However, if adequate data backup systems are not in place, the company will not only risk an increased business downtime but also a loss of reputation in the market due to the increased downtime.
In this time and age, customers are extremely demanding of any business. If your company cannot serve them, they are bound to rush to your nearest competitor. In addition, with the loss of market reputation, you will probably not find new customers for quite sometime to come. Therefore, you will not only lose out on potential customers but also the existing ones. With the loss of customer base, you are bound to run out of business very soon. Therefore, backing up data might just be the most time and cost-effective activity for your company.
Backing Up Data Can Be a Lifesaver
Let us not forget that data recovery is no child's play. Intricate and often time-consuming methods may be required to recover your valuable data. If you do have backed up data, the lost data would need to be recovered at all costs. Therefore, you will end up paying a higher amount for data recovery than you would have if all your data were backed up efficiently.
Professional data recovery can be very expensive and if the damage to your data has been severe, you should be prepared to pay huge amount of money for recovering your data. However, if you have backed up your data, you need not spend a fortune on data recovery services.
Business continuity planning is a top priority for companies today. An effective business continuity plan is important for your clients and customers alike. You cannot expect people to put their money in your business when you do not have a plan for continuing your business in a time of crisis. Performing effective data backups is an integral part of business continuity planning. Therefore, it is imperative for your business to have regular and effective data backup plans in place.
Both James Wallis & Jameswalsh are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
James Wallis has sinced written about articles on various topics from computers and the internet, Data Recovery and Infidelity. James Walsh is a freelance writer and copy editor. If you are concerned about data loss and would like more information on see http://www.fields-. James Wallis's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.
Jameswalsh has sinced written about articles on various topics from Divorce and Infidelity, Data Recovery and Acne Treatment. James Walsh is a freelance writer and copy editor. If you are concerned about data loss and would like more information on see. Jameswalsh's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.