Backup Rotation Schedules
The best way to ensure that backups are done in a consistent and
timely manner is to establish a backup schedule. When creating a
backup schedule, the ultimate goal is to prevent the loss of data
by becoming able to restore your entire system, or systems, quickly
and efficiently. However, disaster recovery is not the only consideration.
Daily convenience also needs to be taken into account. A good backup
scheme should incorporate an easy way to restore individual files that may
inadvertently get deleted. Other considerations include the amount of time
allocated for backups relative to the time available and the time needed.
On the one hand the more often you run a backup you successfully create
the most updated copy of your files, which is tantamount to a successful
restore. On the other hand each backup session takes time and consumes
data medium.
Usually backup periodicity depends on intensity of work with data.
Most users backup daily. If you are a frequent computer user and
create/change numerous files daily, you might want to backup daily.
If you do not use your computer frequently, backing up weekly may
work best. Also you should synchronize your data backup tasks with
operational milestones (i.e., backing up data upon the acquisition
of over 100 orders; backing up data at the close of trading hours,
etc.)
One of the key elements of any backup schedule is to develop a
media rotation scheme that protects your data at least once a day.
The best rotation schedule is one that provides you with a long,
deep and varied history of file versions (as opposed to a Tape-A-Day
scheme, for instance, that merely overwrites data from the day previous.).
Here, we outline the most popular rotation schemes that are offered
as configurable backup patterns by most backup application software.
Backup rotation schedules:
- Round Robin
- GFS - grandfather father son
- Tower of Hanoi
All offers gives a great depth of file versions. Choose the one that
works for you, or customize to your own needs. Then, make sure to put
it into place at all locations and across all types of data on every
platform.
Once you finish selecting backup rotation scheme, you can schedule your
backup to run when the most convenient. If you use backup software, after
each backup you will receive a confirmation message stating your backup
was complete.You can relax.Your files and data are safe and secure.
See also: Data Backup Methods, Backup Registry, Home Backup Software, Backup Mobile
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