Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/51736
54 • JANUARY 2012 • WORLD FENCE NEWS THE HUMAN LINK by Jim Lucci Management Motivational Associates Tackling the topic of backing up data, part 2 Previously, we discussed some of the different aspects of the electronic backup of data and records and the need for proper storage of hard files. In part one, we discussed the con- cept of data backup, the use of storage as it pertains to the base of the backup system and an overview of storage media. Now, as promised, we will talk about such things as better ways of managing your data, of selecting your data and managing the backup process and talk about a vendor or two that specialize in helping you with this process. With that said, we will now move into the area of managing the data repository: regardless of the data repository model, or data storage media used for backups, a balance needs to be struck between accessibil- ity, security and cost. Subscribe to World Fence News Today! For subscription info, visit our web site at www.worldfencenews.com Click on the "Subscribe Now" button at the bottom of the front page. Or contact us at 800-231-0275 These media management meth- ods are not mutually exclusive and are frequently combined to meet the needs of the situation. Using on-line disks for staging data before it is sent to a near- line tape library is a common example. 1.) On-line backup storage is typ- ically the most accessible type of data storage, which can begin to restore in milliseconds of time. A good example SKIDRIL The Fencers Solution © Nearly 20 years of solutions... Post Drivers The HP18 post-driver and P38 compact power- supply combo set the standard for power and efficiency. It canbepackedinona ATVand provides hard long on just a few drops of fuel. T-Post Driver and Breaker - Self contained Our G23 and G30E 2 and 4 Cycle engine driven models can drive T-post and bust up concrete or rocks virtually anywhere. Post pullers Available in Self contained or power versions our pullers will remove almost any type of post driven or set in concrete. Rock drill HP18 - P80 Driver and Pack or concrete and can also be used as a Breaker. Breakers and Jackhammers The HB16 breaker makes short work of rock and concrete and digs hard clay and soils. SKIDRIL PO Box 8041 Greensboro, NC 27419 Tel: 800-843-3745 www.skidril.com skidril@bellsouth.net G30 Driver Breaker P600 Post Puller P1600 Post Puller HD20 Rock Drill HB16 Breaker would be an internal hard disk or disk array. This type of storage is very con- venient and speedy, but is relatively expensive. On-line storage is quite vul- nerable to being deleted or over-writ- ten, either by accident, by intentional malevolent intention, or in the wake of a data deleting virus payload. 2.) Near-line storage is typically less accessible and less expensive than on-line storage, but still useful for backup data storage. A good example would be a tape library with restore times ranging from seconds to a few minutes. A mechani- cal device is usually involved in mov- ing media units from storage into a drive where the data can be read or written. Generally, it has safety prop- erties similar to on-line storage. 3.) Off-line storage requires some direct human action in order to make access to the storage media physically possible. This action is typically in- serting a tape into a tape drive or plug- ging in a cable that allows a device to be accessed. Because the data is not accessible via any computer except during limited periods in which it is written or read back, it is largely im- mune to a whole class of on-line fail- ure modes. Access time will vary depending upon whether the media is on-site or off-site. 4.) Many people choose off-site data protection to protect against a dis- aster or other site-specific problem, where they send backup media to an off-site vault. The vault can be as sim- ple as a system administrator's home office or as sophisticated as a disaster hardened, temperature controlled, high security bunker that has facilities for backup media storage. Importantly, a data-replica can be off-site but also on-line. Such a replica has fairly limited value as a backup, and should not be confused with an off-line backup site or disaster recov- ery center. In the event of a disaster, the data on backup media will not be sufficient to recover. Computer systems onto which the data can be restored and properly configured networks are nec- essary too. Some organizations/com- panies/businesses have their own data recovery centers that are equipped for this scenario. Other organizations contract this out to a third-party recovery center contin ued on pa g e 56