TechsPlace | Software is a computer code that tells the computer how to work or operate. The hardware and software operations are co-dependent, if one of them fails, the result is not successful. Now, a Windows Server is a machine developed by Microsoft. A server is used to host a website, data sharing in an organization, remote applications, etc. Configuring and deploying a server is quite a task for a server administrator. Similarly, creating a backup requires focus and hard work. Cloud computing and Virtualization have made the task somewhat simpler but you have to keep an eye on the system. Cloud computing certainly eliminates the threat of hardware failure but surveys from software companies reveal a different picture. Get more knowledge about VM backup.
NAKIVO Backup and replication are currently top in the backup industry. The software is most powerful, very simple, automated and available in a variety of recovery options. The data protection solution is strong and the backup process is pretty quick.
Almost 50 percent of the enterprises and 35 percent of small-to-medium-sized businesses have experienced data loss. Also, 60 percent of the organizations saw recovery option failures. Even if the hardware is safe, data loss can occur from any glitches, malware, viruses, and errors. This is why it is necessary to create a server backup and use certain software. Microsoft also provides backup software with the server product. One might ask: the backup software included with the Microsoft Windows Server product is sufficient or not? The answer is dependent on the needs of the user but there are many shortcomings in the backup software of the Windows. Some of the shortcomings are:
- Storage Problems: Windows backup software limits the storage technique. The backup is stored in a fixed local disk. That means the removable data storage like pen drives, hard disks, etc are not allowed. The data is not available when the whole system crashes.
- Network Share: One can send the backups to a network share but the software will only keep a recent backup copy and delete all the previous copies. What if a business requires the previous data for some analysis? This is one of the major disadvantages of the software.
- Encryption: Windows Backup Server software does not use any encryption technique. If you are using this software then you need to encrypt the data separately using a different application.
- Support: There is no such dedicated support helpline or platform for backup software issues. The manufacturer’s support is necessary because they know what they have built.
To select and use any Windows Server Backup Software, you should remember and discuss these points in brief with the company:
- Planning: Planning is the first and the most important rule to start with. You should jot down the complete plan on the paper and follow it strictly. It should include critical information like – what data should be backed up, where to keep the data, frequency of the backups, who will perform the backups, etc. After writing it down, you should contact the software provider and ask them these questions. Also, discuss the strategy which will be best suited for your organization.
- Strategy: After the planning, implementing the backup strategy is the next step. Now, Backup Strategy can be broadly divided into two categories: On-premises backup and Remote backup. An on-premises strategy is used when the organization is small and for large businesses, Remote backups are used. You have to copy the important data to the additional storage space or shared storage, manually at certain intervals. This is the procedure for the On-premises method. The data is accessible whenever you need but the information is vulnerable. Remote backup is much quick, secure, and automated. In the remote backup method, your server will automatically send the data to a remote center. You just have to install the backup software and the rest is taken care of.
- Inclusion: You will definitely include the crucial system data in your backups but what about the other data? The company-related data on mobile phones, on personal computers, website data, emails, etc should also be included in the backups. Also, financial papers, Contracts, and all the paper data should have a backup electronic copy. Inclusion is an important aspect of creating backups for businesses.
- Crucial Data: When you are selecting the software for backup solutions, you need to highlight the crucial data. The most crucial data is the backbone of the business and it must be backed up. Major databases, daily reports, data assets, etc must be present in the crucial data list. You don’t need to include the whole hard disk for the backup creation. Most of the files are system generated which if necessary can be loaded externally.
- Protection: The backup application should be well protected from any potential threat. The application should protect your data offline and online from a ransomware attack. A ransomware attack can affect online and offline data. The software company should be aware of the progressive technologies like – Blockchain. Also, as a consumer, you should always ask for such queries related to security. For On-premises backup, you can use a 2*2*2 method, creating 2 backups held by 2 persons at 2 different locations. In any case, you should be well equipped for a disaster.
- Access and Testing: You should enquire about the accessibility of the backup. Who will access the backup and how will the communication occur? Also, what happens if the Internet is not working and you can’t access the backup? How can you regain access to recover the backup? The last thing is testing. After implementing a backup solution, you have to test it. Testing will reveal the true success of the application and if things are not good, contact the software providers for help.
Summary: When you are looking for a software company that provides the backup solutions, you have to evaluate them on the above-mentioned points. To implement a strong backup solution, you have to communicate with the software company. Communication will solve half of your problems. Designing and developing a full-proof solution requires – planning, communicating, and implementing. Look for the features which best describe your model and accordingly select the company.
This article is contributed by guest author on techsplace.com.