Tape Backup Strategy

Choice of Strategy

How you organize backup depends very much on how frequently the data changes, how extensive it is, and how valuable you consider it. What is essential is that you follow a routine, so that backup is regular and trouble-free.

There are many systematic methods for backing up data on a regular basis. The ten tape cycle method recommended is very simple to implement. It also maintains several historical copies of the data so that even if one copy gets lost you have a high probability of recovering the lost data.

If you follow the backup method described in this section, you should renew your tapes on a yearly basis. (No one tape should be inserted more than 300 times, annual renewal therefore allows for a number of restores in addition to backups.)

The Ten Tape Cycle Method

This method uses a systematic approach to insure data security.  It involves maintaining a daily, weekly and monthly backup.  Every three months the tapes are recycled.

The advantages of this method include:

• Simplicity: It is very simple to recover data.
• Easy Access: Data backed up at any time over the preceding three months can be easily accessed and restored.

Number of Tapes Needed

If all the data you wish to back up in a single session will fit onto a single tape, 10 tapes are needed, plus any additional tapes you may require for archival storage or file transfer.

If you require more than one tape per back up, you will need at least 10 sets of tapes, where a "set" is the smallest number of tapes that will hold a full backup.

Preparation

Before making a backup, label the tapes as follows:

In addition, record on the label the date when you first started using the tape, the name of the system you are backing up and the backup software you are using.  If you need more than one tape to perform a daily backup, record the tape number.

Example:

Method

1. At the end of each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday perform a full backup to the tape labeled for that day.
2. At the end of the first, second and third Fridays of the month perform a full backup to the tape labeled for that day.
3. At the end of the fourth Friday of the month backup to the tape labeled for that month.
4. At the end of the fourth month recycle the monthly tapes, that is, backup to the tape labeled '1st Month'.

For additional security, place each of the Friday and monthly tapes in a fireproof safe and store off-site.

Contact ATE today for more information on backing up your valuable data and for a quote on any supplies you may need.