The Importance of Data Backup

Also in the software offerings is EMC Avamar software, which enables fast, efficient and reliable data protection by reducing the size of backup data at the source, before it is transferred across the network. Unlike traditional solutions, Avamar identifies redundant sub-file data segments within and across servers, desktops, laptops, and offices worldwide. Avamar’s patented global data de-duplication technology ensures that backup data segments are stored only once on a global basis. This effectively reduces the amount of data moved and stored daily by up to 300x, enabling daily full backups and rapid restores.

In addition to automatically scheduled backups, Avamar verifies the recoverability of all backup data—so there are no surprises. And backup data is encrypted during transit across the WAN and at rest for security.

Avamar uses a grid architecture that enables linear performance increases by simply adding storage nodes. Each incremental node increases CPU, memory, I/O, and disk capacity for the entire grid. When additional storage is added, data is automatically load-balanced for optimal performance. High availability is delivered by a patented redundant array of independent nodes (RAIN) technology, which provides fault tolerance across storage nodes and eliminates single points of failure. In addition, Avamar system integrity is verified twice daily via internal system checkpoints.

Whatever media you use, or whatever strategy you put in place, the end result should be the same: your business stays safe and secure.

Crucial Checklist

The essential elements of a good disaster recovery plan include:

Continuous data protection (CDP). CDP is an important component of the data backup solution because it automatically replicates any new or changed data – in real time. So, when there’s any new or changed data, it’s immediately replicated onto the CDP storage unit.

Local and offsite backup. The combination of local and offsite backup storage provides complete data protection: restoration from a local server saves time and internet bandwidth, while offsite backup saves company data from common disasters such as burglary, virus infection, or fire.

Bare metal recovery. This means taking a snapshot of your entire hard drive so if your system blows up, all you need to do is insert a CD in your new or repaired computer and the entire operating system (with documents and applications and settings) will be recovered. Users can recover an entire system through a simple management interface, in minutes as opposed to days.

Training. Ensure appropriate staff members and IT support are well-versed on how to properly manage your backup systems. And keep the process documented, so if that person was to leave the business today your systems continue to be backed up.

Insurance. Although we don’t like to think about it, disasters can happen. Ensure you have adequate insurance so your business can continue operation with little downtime.

Safe and sound

Losing valuable data is one disaster businessowners can arm themselves against, and with the many tools available, there is no excuse for insufficient security.

In this tech-driven world, small and medium businesses store valuable and confidential information in digital format somewhere—whether on a hard drive, online, or most likely both.

Businessowners can purchase the best equipment money can buy, yet they can bet that for every byte of information they have stored on it, there’s a ‘bot’ looking to steal it.

What’s concerning about this is that these hackers aren’t bored teenagers looking to impress their peers, they’re syndicates of online thugs who wreak havoc by creating huge networks of zombie computers and rent out access to hackers looking to steal your money and identity.

Security is a critical part of any business decision. Security software is easy to maintain and unlikely to eat into potential profits, giving small business owners and operators peace of mind that private information about their propriety information is safe.

As a trusted advisor in the area of security, McAfee has these handy tips for ensuring small business networks remain safe from online predators:

• Beware of those who have gone phishing: Phishing scams use phoney e-mails and phonier web sites masquerading as legitimate businesses to lure unsuspecting users into revealing private account or login information. If you get an e-mail from a business that includes a link to its web site, don’t click on it.

• If it’s free … be careful: Watch out for free downloads, surveys and online club registration. Many free downloads, such as games and wallpaper, include hidden spyware and adware programs. These can monitor your keystrokes, track your Internet logins and transmit your confidential information. If it says it’s free, chances are it’ll cost you.

• Secure your wireless network: Your level of risk goes way up if you access the Internet from a wi-fi network—It’s like walking away from the ATM with your card still in it. Since your wireless network’s radio waves travel through walls, a hacker with even a simple antenna can steal your information from hundreds of feet away.

• Remember to layer: Install comprehensive, multi-layered security software that guards against viruses, spyware, adware, hackers, unwanted e-mails, phishing scams and identity theft. Choose a global brand that you can trust to fit your specific needs.

• Know where you’re going online: Use an option like McAfee’s free SiteAdvisor software, a downloadable tool that detects sites that push adware installations, online scams and excessive e-mail tactics.