If you have a server that you rely on to run your business in any capacity, then you are aware that you need to backup the data on your server. Like most things in IT, not all backups are equal. Below you will see 5 different levels of backup. After reviewing, you’ll likely know which backup is right for your business.

  1. Local File Backup

A local file backup is the most basic of backups. This is usually done with external hard drives plugged straight into your server. Once plugged in, files are copied from your server and pasted onto the external hard drive giving you a copy of your data. This can even be automated inside of Microsoft Windows.

Positives: Cheap

Negatives:

  • Only one backup.
  • The backup is held onsite which allows the possibility of both your server and backup being lost at same time.
  • You will need to continually purchase new hard drives as current ones are filled up.
  • Need secure place to store old hard drives.
  • Slow recovery time in the case of a server failure as server would need to be fully setup again before applications are usable again.
  • Server would need to be fully configured again while recovering.
  • Hard to keep a track of older data.
  • High chance of hard drive failure.

Who should use this solution: Earney IT does not recommend anyone to use this option.

  1. Cloud File Backup

A Cloud File Backup is the next level of backups. This is accomplished with a service that automatically backs up all files on your physical server to a cloud-based server on an ongoing basis. The backup could be done as often as every minute to once a week.

Positives:

  • Cheap
  • Offsite backup in case of physical damage to the server.
  • No need to purchase hardware.
  • Easier to keep track of older backups.

Negatives:

  • Only one backup.
  • Backup is reliant on internet connection.
  • Slow recovery time as files will both need to be downloaded from internet and implemented to a new device in the case of a server failure.
  • Server would need to be fully configured again while recovering.

Who should use this solution: At EarneyIT, we only implement this solution for people who need to backup a few important small files. An example of this would be backing up a Quickbooks file that is hosted on a small server.

  1. Cloud Image Backup

What is the difference between a file backup and an image backup? A file backup only backs up the files, similar to copy and paste. An image backup takes a snapshot of the server when completed, often referred to as cloning the device. Having an image of the server allows for faster recovery with less issues. Rather than having to fully setup a server again then paste the files from the file backup onto the server, with an image backup, an exact copy of the server is restored to new hardware. Once restored, all services should be exactly where they were before the server failure without any small issues.

Positives:

  • Less expensive than having a physical device backing up server.
  • Faster recovery than file backup.
  • Offsite backup in case of physical damage to the server.
  • No need to purchase hardware.
  • Server would not need to be fully reconfigured.

Negatives:

  • Only one backup.
  • Backup is reliant on internet connection.
  • Still slow recovery time as you will need to download image from cloud then restore to a new piece of hardware however there will be less issues after recovery.

Who should use this solution: At EarneyIT, we implement Cloud Image Backups for servers that may run non-critical applications where the client is okay with a few days of downtime in the case of server failure. We implement Cloud Image Backups for critical devices, such as those used by executives, office managers, and doctors. This ensures that in case of a device failure, we have an exact copy to quickly restore their systems (see Computer Backup for more details).

  1. Local and Cloud Image Backup

Now we are getting to the nice solutions. Local and Cloud Image Backups combine the best of both worlds while still having some critical downfalls. Having images of the device backed up both local (on a device sitting in server room or next to server) and to the cloud allows for having multiple copies of backups and faster access to the data.

Positives:

  • Faster recovery times than just cloud image backup as it does not need to be downloaded from the cloud however still slow in comparison to the best backup solution.
  • Two points of data backup, one in the cloud and one local.
  • Server would not need to be reconfigured.
  • Not reliant on internet connection as backups can still happen local.

Negatives:

  • More expensive as you will need to have a physical hardware appliance.
  • Still slow recovery time as the local device is only for backing up data, you will still need get new server equipment to restore the image to.

Who should use this solution: At EarneyIT, we do not implement this solution very often. The reason being is most people who need backup for essential servers, we try our hardest to implement a BCDR (see number 5). This solution can work for businesses who do not need fast recovery but want to make sure their data is protected.

  1. BCDR – Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery

This is the top of the line of backups for small to medium sized businesses who rely on their server for day to day operations. A BCDR solution will include a piece of hardware that sits in your server room. If configured correctly, this device will have similar specifications to your server including processor, ram, storage, etc. This allows the backup device to act as a server in the case of a server failure. This takes recovery time for your business from 2-3 days to 5-10 minutes with a knowledgeable IT provider. In the case of a server failure, your IT provider would be able to spin up the BCDR device to take the place of your server while the problems are solved. This BCDR solution will also send backups taken locally to the cloud. With this method,  the cloud backup will operate as your server in the case of a complete disaster such as flooding or fire damage. This gives access to important data so you can continue to operate if the physical server is unavailable.

Positives:

  • Fast recovery times (5-10 minutes compared to days).
  • Fast file recovery for small backup needs.
  • Two points of data backup (one local and on in the cloud).
  • Server will not need to be configured in case of disaster.
  • Device allows your practice to run while your IT provider fixes issues with the actual server.
  • Not reliant on internet connection as local backups would still happen.

Negatives:

  • Costly compared to other backup solutions.

Who should use this solution: Almost all companies who rely on a server for daily operations. EarneyIT has implemented this across all clients in 2021 who were on option 4 for server backup. This gives piece of mind for both you and us as your IT provider knowing we can get your business back up and running in no time. Although this backup solution is more costly, it is more than worth the cost for your business to be instantly operational.

While advanced configurations like two BCDR systems or offsite servers are possible, they can be costly. Most small and medium-sized businesses will do well with a dependable BCDR solution.