Online Backup VS Dated tape systems

Cano

As an independent I.T contractor I visit many companies each month and I am extremely surprised at the laughable backup regimes conducted in this country (and by some of our leading companies). Having worked in the U.S and the U.K throughout the 90's I became accustom to off-site mirroring of data, scheduled backups, and disaster recovery planning. I am submitting this thread in the hope of converting companies to Online off-site automated backups. Rather than those 50GB dusty analogue storage tapes.

A recent study conducted by Storage Magazine revealed that only 37% of businesses actually test their internal tape backups regularly, and of those that did, an alarming 77% found they were unable to fully recover data by using the tape backup methods.

In contrast to the Storage Magazine study, 83% of the businesses recently surveyed by the Enterprise Strategy Group indicated that 85-100% of their recoveries are successful using Online Backup.
Online, automatic and scheduled backup promotes faster, timelier recovery with lessdata loss.

I'm not saying by implmenting online backup that you have a full disaster recovery plan but you are certainly on the right road to doing so. For more info try dataprotectioncommission.ie, keepitsafe.ie, or datahaven.ie

THINK ABOUT IT

Rgds

C

Cano

Chart below illustrates the differences between online backup and traditional tape or disc backup.


Feature Benefit to you onlinebackup Tape Backup

Automaed Backup
Complete and accurate backups of all data and system files is performed on a scheduled or continuous basis without user intervention
YES NO

Remote Storage
Ensures that all files are securely stored away from clients physical location in the event of fire, theft, flood etc.
YES NO

Multiple Retention Periods
Allows the computer system files to be rolled back to a point in time when the system was known to be working correctly
YES NO

Security
All backup files are securely encrypted at your computer before transmission and stored in that format to ensure the confidentiality of your data
YES NO

Easy and fast File Recovery All files are readily available online for quick and easy retrieval 24/7 using either desktop software or a web-based interface YES NO

Cost Effective No hardware to buy, upgrade and repair and no consumable media to worry about. In addition, the automated backups free up your time to focus on your business, rather than your data backup.
YES NO

mick.fr

Yes sure it is good niche and concept, and I am sure the market is going to expend more and more, but I would not trust the companies you have pointed out because their process/application is not certified by any independant quality entity such as ISO plus there is no mention whatsoever about the recovery process, and as we know, backup is usually fine but restore is another story.
Plus the documentation is really poor and is far to inspire trust.
Things like "state of the art datacenter" without actually mentioning what kind of facility you have is pure marketing bull**** and does not help us to feel confident.

Plus you guys are really expensive for what you have to offer.

Try again, harder this time

IT guy

I'm not sure i agree with Mick or Cano. Cano does have a point in regards to backup regimes in SMEs are pure madness, they are asking for trouble. And I feel Mick is going down the wrong path completely about pricing as I was quoted €360 for the year for 5gb pack with support by one of the previously mentioned companies. Havent bought it yet as I'm looking at a new server first.

Cano needs to learn that Ireland is that little bit behind the U.S and even the U.K in terms of broadband speed and we only have 4 or 5 major data centres to our name. Again the company i received the quote from are in a major data centre and I checked they are full Indemnified before signing the SLA. I agree their marketing could be better "state of the art data centre" seem to try pull the wool over people's eyes. But in regards to and ISO, how do you possibly think that? All these companies must be new and maturing.

In regards restore time I have no idea. But large full crash restores are guaranteed next business day. It would take me that long to load windows and office on to our pieces of sh*t here!!

Overall you both make valid points but I'm afraid I can see online backup beating the tape eventually. I can also see mirroring data beating both methods, but thats another days work!

IT guy

Martyr

another advertisement.

"hey, this is the future" "hey, this is the link"
yes, good idea..but this is a forum, not an advertising channel

IT guy

Not sure I agree Joe. Forget the companies mentioned. It is a major change in IT security for anyone involved in the industry. I think it all boils down to trust. These companies need to prove themselves before we see a mojor change over.

Gillie

IT guy wrote:

Cano needs to learn that Ireland is that little bit behind the U.S and even the U.K in terms of broadband speed and we only have 4 or 5 major data centres to our name. Again the company i received the quote from are in a major data centre and I checked they are full Indemnified before signing the SLA. I agree their marketing could be better "state of the art data centre" seem to try pull the wool over people's eyes. But in regards to and ISO, how do you possibly think that? All these companies must be new and maturing.

Spot on!
I work in this market and I recall plenty of Sales Chaps pitching way above what the Irish market can afford in general.
Products can be way over priced and quite often compromises have to be made.

That said I find that ppl don't take backup seriously enough.
It doesn't have to cost the earth!

NutJob

Average Joe wrote:

another advertisement.

"hey, this is the future" "hey, this is the link"
yes, good idea..but this is a forum, not an advertising channel

Posting crap adds to boards doesn't help your case:)


Banned in 5 posts:D lol