The data backup function is one of the basic building blocks of data management.
The process involves all activities that prevent loss of data. By this process, a duplicate copy of the original file or database is created. In case of accidental data loss due to natural calamities, physical data pilferage, virus attack, system crashes etc., the valuable data doesn’t get lost forever and can be built up within short notice from the backup copies. That is why you will find data backup as an important clause in the Business Continuity Plan of an organization.
In today’s age, nobody makes the mistake of not backing up their valuable data. Due to the proliferation of deadly computer viruses, and hacking activities, data backup has become all the more significant. The data center of every company has a periodic data backup activity, often once at the end of each business day. The data backup process should be backed up by an efficient data recovery process to revive the information processing activities of a company in a reasonably short period of time.
Storage media plays a pivotal role in data backup. Your choice of storage media will depend on how frequently the data will be used and the volume of data to be stored. Ideally all data management practitioners want to have one single physical storage unit for data backup, as this is easier to manage. However, your data backup strategy will depend on numerous factors like the area of your data center, the strength of data center support personnel, and off course, your IT budget allocation towards data management.
In the early computing days, floppy disk was the ubiquitous storage medium. Today, a number of other media are available, such as:
• Tape
• Hard Disk
• Optical disk, such as CD, DVD etc.
• External hard drive
• Remote backup devices
The importance of data backup will only increase in the coming days, as business grows more and more competitive and timely information becomes the sole mantra of survival. A sound backup policy is a prized asset that entrepreneurs will look up to during their business expansion plans.