Historically, businesses have taken a somewhat lackadaisical approach to backing-up data. These days, while the cloud has allowed for an easier transition into data protection, sadly, many businesses still fail when it comes to backing up daily.
In fact, a survey carried out this year
found that a huge 53% of SMEs fail to carry this out, citing various reasons such as a lack of time, “not much to back up” and incredibly, a waste of resources. Frightening, especially when you consider that “for most businesses, small, medium or large, [the loss of data] will probably be too much to bear – 90% of all companies that suffer a major data loss go out of business within two years.” [1]
The Necessity for Back-ups
If you’re new to the subject of backing-up data then there are some things you should be aware of. Firstly there is the absolute necessity to perform regular back-ups in the first instance, as soon as the network is live. Cyber space today is full of accidents waiting to happen; either because of malware that is floating around, or the existence of hackers, or the threat of highly organized cyber-attacks. Let’s face it, we even have the governments sniffing around in our data and so it’s never 100% safe just having the one copy.
One way or another, any server that is connected to the outside world faces huge risks. Backing your data up gives you a recovery position and will get you back into a working scenario with as little loss of data as possible.
Best Back-up Practice
Just running a back-up and leaving it in the workplace is not appropriate. The back-up can be lost or stolen, or destroyed by fire. Even putting the back-up into a safe won’t protect it from the heat of a serious blaze. The only way you can be sure to keep it safe, is to remove it from the premises and keep it safe off-site. It is also recommended to have multiple back-ups taken at different times, and stored in different off-site locations. This type of back-up policy should be built into any business continuity or disaster recovery plan.
Window’s Built In Application Back-up
All Windows server operating systems include back up protocols, which for some users may suffice. But for users who need more flexibility, and a more comprehensive set of back-up tools at their disposal, over and above what is offered within say the latest Windows 8 server application, then an independent, dedicated, Window Server Back-up Software package is the way to go.
What to look for in independent Windows Server Backup Software
With dozens of different packages on offer, you may at first feel that you’re spoilt for choice. But not all are equal, so what are the things you should be looking out for when you are considering your options?
Essentially you should look for a back-up package that deliver:
- Hands free automatic back-up functionality
- Comprehensive range of back-up scheduling options
- User friendly operation
- Simple, reliable restoration function
- Back-up novice friendly
- Multi server back-up capability
- Comprehensive reporting facility
- Multiple restore, recovery functionality
Review sites worth checking out
The best places to find the relevant information to allow you to compare the various Windows Server Back-up Software packages around are review sites, such as Business.com and Tech Republic.
Continuous Data Protection and Cloud Backups
Of course, servers that are hosted in the cloud usually come with a back-up solution included, depending on the agreed SLA. However, for the business that employs its own IT department, an on-site solution may be needed that has the capability of cloud storage at different locations.
That’s not to say that it’s impossible these days to use hardware for mirroring and such, but again, this means that it’s all on-site. Wherever a server is located though, hardware fails and so this means that the use of monitoring and back-up software is heartily advised, if you’re to stay in business in the modern world.
The Importance of Technical Support
One important thing is to be careful to check out when you are contemplating which model of Window Server Backup Software to buy, is the help and technical support that each package offers. Some offer full set-up support, some, full telephone support, while others offer only email support. For anyone who is new to running backups, or who is not very tech literate, getting the right level of support can be critical.
This means you need to ask the vendor several questions, such as:
- Can you see a demo of the software in action
- What, exactly, does the support service entail
- What is covered by any accompanying SLA (if any)
- Where and how is your data being backed up to
- The security of the backup location (if applicable)
- Client recommendations
Seek recommendations
Making the right choice when it comes down to backing up your Windows servers is crucial. It will be your sole route back to full operational capability in the event of a catastrophic disaster befalling your IT infrastructure, so you must choose wisely.
While review sites are handy, these are sometimes colored by bias towards one product or another, depending on where you look. This means that getting ‘real world’ examples to go by, looking at case studies and client testimonials to begin with, is wise as an addition to your own preliminary research.
It’s still shocking that in this age of privacy concerns and the reliance on technology that so many SMEs ignore the dangers that their company faces when it comes to protecting data. It can be, and is, fatal to many of those businesses that continue to do so; make sure that your company doesn’t become just another statistic and ensure that data is protected at all times.
References
1.) The Business Implications of not having a Backup Strategy
Photo Credits, feature photo
By Fleshas (I took this photo) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
William Thompson
William Thompson is the Marketing Manager at Power Admin, a server monitoring software business in the Kansas City area. You can find him on Google+ and Twitter. William has been a professional in website design, digital marketing and 3D/graphic design for over 20 years.