| A reliable data backup solution should be a crucial | | | | requires the full backup tape plus all the subsequent |
| component of any organizations computer network. | | | | incremental tapes in the proper order to be able to |
| Although many newer technically innovative backup | | | | complete a restore. The differential method only |
| solutions have emerged over the last few years, | | | | requires the full backup and the last differential. |
| tape backup solutions are still a viable option in | | | | If data retention needs are minimal then consider |
| today's computing environments. Tape backup | | | | running a simple two week tape rotation utilizing ten |
| provides the convenience of being readily available | | | | to fourteen tapes. Ten tapes in a "Week One" and |
| and portable. It also stores well long term in a | | | | "Week Two" configuration would cover Monday |
| controlled climate environment. Cartridge rotation is a | | | | through Friday if no one is available to swap out |
| key element of any comprehensive tape backup | | | | tapes on the weekend. To provide a more |
| solution. | | | | comprehensive coverage over a greater length of |
| There are a few factors to consider before | | | | time consider implementing the following tape |
| implementing a rotation schedule. What is an | | | | rotation. |
| acceptable restore and recovery time frame? Can | | | | - Two sets of Monday through Thursday tapes |
| you afford a day's worth of downtime or is the | | | | - First through Fifth Friday designated tapes |
| smallest recovery window possible a must. If the | | | | - A month end or quarterly tape |
| shortest time frame possible is required then consider | | | | - Year end tape This rotation scheduled provides |
| running a full backup of all data at a minimum Monday | | | | greater coverage and allows for recovery of data |
| through Friday schedule. If some leeway in the | | | | from throughout an entire years worth of backups. |
| recovery time frame is acceptable then consider a | | | | The year end tape could also be cycled out with a |
| combination full backup with corresponding differential | | | | new tape every year for archiving. Off site rotation |
| or incremental backup jobs. An incremental backup | | | | of the tapes in a safe and secure location should also |
| will backup only the changed files since the last | | | | be implemented in any tape backup strategy as a |
| backup whereas the differential will backup all the | | | | precaution to fire, natural disaster or other |
| files that have changed since the last full backup. | | | | unexpected calamity. |
| Incremental provides shorter backup times but | | | | |