Z E N e w s - Issue 2: System Backups

Benefits

• Backup system and disaster recovery specialists

• Certified engineers with a wealth of experience and knowledge

• Fast and efficient on-site and remote support

• Reduced downtime and maintenance costs

• Service available when you need it

• Access to highly specialised technical skills

Zero Effort
Networking Pty Ltd
ABN 38 082 434 446

PO Box 6045
Blacktown NSW 2148

Phone: (02) 9676 3541
Fax: (02) 8569 2012

www.zen.net.au
info@zen.net.au

System Backups

In last week's article we discussed The Need for Backups. That article described a solution for Data Backups; that is, a backup of data files on the server (e.g. documents, spreadsheets, e-mails etc.).

Data Backups are typically performed at least daily and sometimes more frequently for high-value information.

There is a second type of backup, known as a System Backup, which unlike a Data Backup copies the operating system, the registry (operating system configuration) and installed applications.

In contrast to Data Backups, System Backups are generally performed infrequently, usually once every 6 months, or when major updates to the operating system or installed applications occur.

Operating System and application errors can happen at any time, although fortunately they're an infrequent event.

Some of the more common causes of errors are:

Failure of a software update: Occasionally a vendor software update can have unintended consequences which are very difficult to resolve. For this reason, before applying a vendor update it is always recommended that a System Backup be performed before and after the successful installation of the update. That way if the update fails, and the issue cannot be readily addressed, you have a Backup that you can rely on.

Hardware failure: Failure of disk drives or the RAID controller can result in corruption of the operating system, which will require a re-install or restore from a System Backup to resolve.

Virus attacks: For the most part avoidable, a virus strike can cause data loss or operating system corruption.

Computer theft or fire: If a computer is destroyed by fire or is stolen, then while the hardware can be replaced fairly quickly, the software installation and configuration (particularly for a server) is a time-consuming operation that can take days to fine-tune.

Only a System Backup can restore a “broken” computer system to an operational state. In the event that a computer will no longer start-up, or one of the applications is no longer operational (e.g. main business database or e-mail system) rather than having to install and configure the software from scratch (which can take 1 – 2 days to complete for a server) you can restore the computer from a System Backup in less than 1 hour.

For this reason System Backups are recommended for servers, workstations with complex configurations and SOE configurations.

The Solution

For System Backups we supply and install a 200GB USB based backup drive with applicable imaging software. We recommend that this drive be stored off-site when not in use in case of a disaster at the primary site.

Of course we include installation and configuration of the imaging software (either on-site or remotely) and in addition we will perform the first backup.

Finally, we provide documentation explaining how to perform future backups yourself if that is your preference, or alternatively, we schedule an appointment to perform future backups remotely.

The cost of this solution is $780 including GST.