Automate Backups

Before choosing an online data backup service provider, weigh the following technology and cost considerations and do not be shy about asking the tough questions. If they are to be your trusted partner, you need to be sure of their capabilities and cost structure.

What to look for:
' Automated and unattended backups with the ability to backup open files and open databases
' Ability to centrally manage the backup and restore process from one or more locations
' Control of files and directories to be backed up, with file-filtering capabilities
' Secure Tier-3 or 4 facility
' Spontaneous file restores 24/7/365 via end user or central administrator control
' No special hardware requirements or changes to your network
' Ability to restore data either over the network or via a dedicated storage device
' Customisable data retention schedules
' Data encryption while data is stored on the storage array and during transmission over private or public networks
' Automatic restart and resume capabilities for handling a variety of network conditions
' Automatic notification of exceptions and problems encountered
' Detailed usage reporting capabilities

Be Prepared
In order to bid for your business, vendors will want to know:

' Your recovery point objectives and backup window
' Detailed information on server hardware and operating system: compile a list of servers to be backed up, including brand name, model number, specification, and estimated amount of data storage
' Existing communication facilities connecting your locations: Internet, Frame Relay, ATM, etc
' Firewall management: how are special ports on your firewall opened to allow backup data to travel across your network?
' Your corporate data retention schedule
' How many people will be administering the backup/restore process and where they are located
' The location of an alternate processing facility in the event of a disaster

About the Author:
InTechnology's Managed Online Data Backup Service, an automated backup and restore service, offers secure online data backup and instant restoration, completely eliminating the severe limitations of traditional tape-based data backup.

Visit www.intechnology.co.uk for more information on the Data Backup Service