Multiple backups prove effective when dealing with problems caused by virus attacks, worms or an improper software installation. The ability to restore data from a date before the problem occurred can save a great deal of time by eliminating a remediation process. Further, many businesses need to store monthly, quarterly and year-end data for auditing purposes. Tape enables that process.
For software, Test Center engineers chose Dantz Development's Retrospect 6.5, a backup utility tuned for use with Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 and certified for use with the VXA-2 PacketLoader 1x10. At $750, Retrospect has the ability to back up network-attached workstations, a primary consideration with today's complex desktop environments. Although Microsoft includes a backup utility with SBS 2003, third-party backup applications such as Retrospect are more robust.
Solution providers should expect to spend roughly 8 to 12 hours integrating and documenting the backup technologies outlined above. After the hardware and software elements are in place, the most important element of backup and disaster recovery becomes planning and documentation.
First off, a schedule for backups and service should be created. Complete backups should be performed daily and tapes rotated off-site. Also, someone needs to be held accountable for those tasks. In many cases, solution providers can offer weekly or monthly visits to ensure backups are being performed as part of a service contract. The simple process of storing backup tapes off-site can be a lifesaver if the office is lost due to fire or another disaster.
Solution providers should author a disaster-recovery document that outlines the equipment installed and backup processes in place, prioritizes restoration of applications, and outlines the steps to system recovery. A copy of that document should be kept off-site. Copies of key pieces of information such as license codes, installation CDs, support information, hardware inventory and vendor contact information also should be kept off-site. Once again, those elements can be included in a service contract.
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