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[D413]Disaster Recovery Business Continuity

by Liza, Liz

Introduction

Businessesof all sizes must take backup and disaster recovery seriously. Ascompanies grow and data becomes more and more prevalent, users of alltypes, either internal or external, require access to all thisinformation. This is essential at a time when even the smallestbusiness may find operations impossible with any single point offailure. With the launch of MS SQL Server 2005, MS SQL Servers arebecoming increasingly popular for use in mission criticalenvironments. With such important dependencies on software solutions,recovering from failures is crucial for business continuity.

Toinitiate movement towards redundancy and failure protection,Microsoft offers SQL Server Log Shipping (SQL Server 2000 and 2005)and SQL Server Database Mirroring (SQL Server 2005) in its coreproducts. In addition to Microsoft, third party vendors, includingMicrosoft Gold Certified Partners such as Sonasoft, provide enhancedsoftware solutions that simplify scenarios through easy to use Management Console and automating mostof the manual steps. These components are focused on minimizingdowntime while maximizing data retention in the event of catastrophicfailure.

HighAvailability Solutions for SQL Servers

FailoverClustering

MicrosoftClustering enables users to prevent against hardware failures bystringing redundant hardware, called nodes, together through acentral cluster manager that coordinates load balancing and dataactivity. Microsoft SQL Server supports bothactive-active and active-passive cluster environments. As protectionagainst hard disk failure, RAID configurations are also common. However, from a performance standpoint, this significantly slows downI/O in the subsystems due to writing the data to multiple disks atthe same time. Again RAID option is to protect against any hard diskfailure but it cannot prevent site disasters.

Indirect contrast to this storage dependency, using a Standby solutionprevents against hardware, software and storage failures. Standbyservers or databases are normally installed on unique, usuallygeographically independent, SQL Servers which serve as a barrier tofailures of any type. SQL Server Clustering environments are morecost-intensive compared to the Standby option. The primary reasonfor this is the high hardware and software requirements. Onthe other hand, a Standby server does not have any special hardwarerequirements and is simply a software solution to meet disasterrecovery needs. An additional cost, LAN connectivity is requiredbetween SQL Server cluster nodes to send and receive what is called aheartbeat signal, among other communications.

SQLServer Native Backups/Restores

Asimple and inexpensive solution to recovering from failure is to takebackups of all your databases. Out-of-the-box Microsoft operation allows for Native SQL Server Backups that can take full,differential or transaction log backups of a database. Anotherdisadvantage to SQL Server Native Restore procedures involves highdowntime. In cases of disastrous failure, time is a crucial factor. Unfortunately, significant delays are introduced when trying to findthe correct backup files and locations from which to restoredatabases. Typically, when these restores need to be performed, theinability to restore is something most organizations cannot tolerate.

AutomatedStandby Solution

AStandby Server is a server where the data from the primary databasesis restored periodically using scripts, Microsoft Log Shipping orthrough a third party software. It acts as a hot standby which can bepromoted to a primary role if the primary server goes down sothat business operations continue to function. An automated standbysolution bridges the gap between a highly expensive FailoverClustering solution and time-consuming Native SQL Server Backups andRestores. An automated standby solution provides ahigh-availability solution, protecting data from hardware andsoftware failures as well as from human errors.

SonasoftStandby Solution

TheSonasoft Standby Solution builds easy-to-manage standby plans thateffectively replicate your data without interfering in normalbusiness operations. Because the Sonasoft StandbySolution transfers only data that has changed since the last backupas well as uses high speed compression through the network to thestandby server, data transmission can be handled by a low-bandwidthT1 or a low-cost DSL line. When disaster strikes, roleswitching is just one click away, as a series of complex databaseoperations are performed in the background to switch the destinationserver(s) to the primary role. Sonasoft's product, SonaSafe for SQLServer contains a unique architecture that not only creates easy touse backup tasks and schedules, but allows for efficient and simplerecovery options all while minimizing chances of data loss.

Conclusion

Standbyservers are a cost-effective and viable way for businesses tomaintain SLA and business continuity efficiently. While othersolutions do exist, they are limited by either being error-prone orfailing to protect against site failures. One can deploy standbyservers using third-party software that utilize easy to useinterfaces for a fraction of the cost associated with somealternatives as discussed above. Also, these standby servers can befunctional for reporting or testing purposes.

There are times when unexpected problems rise and we challenge our abilities of survival based on how we adapt to these changes and challenges. When it comes to running a business, there is constant challenge that every business owner or manger must face. For instance, while we heavily rely on our own company or business data storage systems, there are times when sudden problems pose themselves. When such time comes, we need to have a reliable data backup system to rely on if we want our business to continue its operations and functions. With the help of the remote data backup concept, many businesses and companies of today are provided a high level of fighting chance against data loss and other data system problems.

Remote data backup involves a business to store data and information in an offsite location. In the present times, this deals more with electronic data filing and storage services provided by business solutions companies specializing in data storage and recovery. The need for a remote backup system removes the possible on-site glitches which may lead total data loss and inability to reproduce data and information crucial to the operations of a certain business.

Remote data backup services are provided by business solutions companies. Monthly fees for a minimum of three months are collected for the corresponding storage space as well as the other data system services. These business solutions companies have become indispensable in today's age of information technology. Also, the increase to more electronic means have made data storage more volatile yet also susceptible to possible system problems which cannot all be dealt with by smaller businesses alone.

In cases of data loss and problems, having a reliable company provide you with remote data backup can mean a lot to the efficiency of your organization. Imagine having to lower the risks involved when it comes to halted operations, customer and investor dissatisfaction, slow data acquisition, or even total business breakdown all because of a reputable data storage company at your side. With very affordable storage prices as well as other data solutions packages, you can be sure to have a dependable data system backup service even if you only handle a small business with limited funds.

Having a remote data backup system from an offsite company can also provide you with a lot of savings. This means that your business resources will not have to be drained compared to the expenses associated with forcing your own business to have your own multi-level data backup and recovery system. With an outsourced data backup company, you can get the full benefits but not the high expenses.

Make your business work in the present times and do not be a victim of data loss problems. Make sure that you have a reliable company with high reputation for the services that they offer. Never put your business' future at risk because of data storage complacency. With the right data storage and remote backup systems, you can make sure that every single day is a smooth business day for you.

Article Source : How To Remove Software

About Author

Both Liza & Global Storage 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.

Liza has sinced written about articles on various topics from Elder Care, Shopping and Samsung Cell Phone. Writing articles is my hobby.. Liza's top article generates over 6120000 views. to your Favourites.

Global Storage has sinced written about articles on various topics from Data Recovery, Software and Computers and The Internet. Global Storage is author of this article on . Find more information about. Global Storage's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.