Tips

Tips

• Make copy data storage a vital part of your storage strategy

  Creating copies of data is a tried-and-true method of data protection, but the number of copies can quickly get out of hand. Copy data management is one way to combat the issue.  Continue Reading

• Implementing direct backup technology for better data protection

  Direct and flat backups are part of a recent change in the data protection model. Explore the issues associated with the technologies and which products are implementing them.  Continue Reading

• Recovering from ransomware starts with data protection strategy

  While ransomware attacks may be nearly impossible to stop, there are important data protection measures your organization can take to recover effectively.  Continue Reading

• Cloud backup for business: Seven factors that dictate provider selection

  For an organization considering backing up to the public cloud for the first time, the list of providers and offerings can seem endless. Discover key considerations.  Continue Reading

• Use Microsoft Azure Key Vault to protect your data backups

  The Azure Key Vault can serve as data backup protection through its encryption key storage management. Explore how to set up the vault and administer it in your organization.  Continue Reading

• Four data copy management misconceptions that affect your business

  Be aware: Copy data management is easily misunderstood. For example, it is not a true backup and could impact performance. Find out how best to get around these issues.  Continue Reading

• Cloud backup comparison helps enterprises make the best choice

  Bandwidth, latency and security are just a few areas to assess when evaluating enterprise cloud backup service providers. Discover how to make the right decision.  Continue Reading

• Carbonite vs. Mozy: What you need to know for cloud backup

  Cloud backup vendors Carbonite and Mozy vary in their levels of support, pricing, mobile access, security and local backups, as well as target customer base.  Continue Reading

• Acronis backup and recovery software: Features to know

  A long-time cloud backup proponent, Acronis tries to make the selection and use of its data backup products easier with a Backup Purchase Wizard and Universal Restore technology.  Continue Reading

• Should free cloud backup services be used in enterprises?

  Most free enterprise cloud backup services are software-only and protect only files. To increase capabilities and support, businesses should move from 'freemium' to premium.  Continue Reading

• A look at data backup techniques: Recovery-in-place

  Explore recovery-in-place technology to see if it is the right fit for your organization. But be aware that this data backup method requires some up-front planning.  Continue Reading

• Backup target features evolve for better data protection

  Disk backup targets have grown to include many new elements that can aid an organization's data protection. But traditional components remain as well.  Continue Reading

• Cloud-to-cloud data backup: How to pick your provider

  From cost to a product's capabilities, there is a lot to assess when selecting the right cloud-to-cloud backup technology -- and provider -- for your organization.  Continue Reading

• Corporate data backup expands its use cases

  There's a lot more to backup than simply being able to recover data. Discover some of the ways backup products have evolved to protect your organization's data.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Azure VM backup methods beyond Azure Backup vault

  You can back up an Azure VM using several different methods. Microsoft's preferred technique is to use Azure Backup vault, but this may not be the best choice in every situation.  Continue Reading

• The best cloud data migration strategy for your use case

  Cloud migration methods may differ when it comes to a particular use case. In this tip, George Crump explains the five most popular methods of migrating to the cloud.  Continue Reading

• Block-level deduplication vs. zone-level deduplication

  Block-level deduplication is a popular form of the dedupe process, but it has its drawbacks. Discover why zone-level deduplication may be better for your storage environment.  Continue Reading

• Data protection methods: Mounting backups vs. recovering from backups

  Mounting a virtual machine image can save time, but there's a penalty to pay for the convenience. We list the questions to ask when deciding which data protection method to employ.  Continue Reading

• New approaches: Instant VM recovery, flat backup, hybrid cloud backup

  Find out if these recent backup technologies -- snapshots and flat backup, hybrid cloud backup and instant VM recovery -- are right for your organization.  Continue Reading

• Docker data container protection methods: Pros and cons

  While Docker data container protection methods haven't reached the level found with hypervisor-based virtual machines, these four technologies can help users with the challenge.  Continue Reading

• Geocluster vs. off-site replication for VM protection

  Is a geocluster or virtual machine replication the best option for VM protection? Both approaches protect VM workloads by moving them to an alternate data center during a disaster.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft private cloud backup challenges

  There are two major challenges that must be addressed when backing up a Microsoft private cloud: figuring out what needs protection and backing up virtual machines.  Continue Reading

• Data backup and disaster recovery made simple

  Many backup products include DR, enabling users to manage both tasks from the same platform. Learn how to streamline data backup and disaster recovery.  Continue Reading

• Multiple hypervisors and issues with backup applications

  Backup and recovery on multiple hypervisors is possible, but you need to be aware of three major challenges with this setup.  Continue Reading

• Data archiving storage and software options that save money

  Vendors are now integrating backup and data archiving storage products. Discover the available options and how to select the correct software for the job.  Continue Reading

• How Microsoft Windows Server 2016 may affect backup requirements

  Microsoft Windows Server 2016 features, such as Nano Server, container support and Windows as a Service, could prove challenging to backup requirements.  Continue Reading

• Data archiving system: Choose wisely to ease backup woes

  Learn three ways a data archiving system can provide access to granular-level data and then replicate it for automated recovery at a later date.  Continue Reading

• Address test/dev data protection challenges

  Test/dev environments present unique data protection challenges. Find out what you can do to address them.  Continue Reading

• How to secure your disk-based backups

  Disk-based backups present different security risks than backup tapes. Protection methods can vary widely depending upon storage architecture.  Continue Reading

• Backing up virtual machines: Guest-level backups still warranted

  While host-level virtual machine backups are the norm, guest-level backups are still common in three situations.  Continue Reading

• Strong data protection process can prevent shadow IT risks

  Shadow IT risks can occur when employees adopt cloud-based apps to complete tasks. This can lead to data loss, but an enhanced data protection process can keep this from happening.  Continue Reading

• Data backup and archiving continue their convergence path

  Data backup and archiving have long been separate processes. But backup software and hardware advancements are enabling convergence between the two disciplines.  Continue Reading

• Avoid Docker host backup issues on Hyper-V virtual machines

  Learn about common issues associated with Docker host backup on Hyper-V and how to avoid them.  Continue Reading

• Why arrays with erasure codes are not a backup substitute

  Many shops struggle with slow backup and restore times when using traditional backup products. Erasure-coded arrays are no standby for traditional backup, but can help with protecting data.  Continue Reading

• Use policy-based automation to improve data protection

  Storage automation feature sets vary from vendor to vendor, but many of them have functionality that can ease data protection and DR processes.  Continue Reading

• Challenges and alternatives to mobile device backups

  While endpoint data protection has always presented unique challenges for IT admins, Brien Posey questions whether those backups are still needed.  Continue Reading

• Data protection techniques for object storage systems

  Techniques such as replication and erasure coding protect data on object storage systems and other high-capacity primary storage systems when traditional backup is difficult.  Continue Reading

• How can snapshot technology best be used for backup?

  George Crump explains how snapshots can be used for backups in certain circumstances and why the role of traditional backup software is changing.  Continue Reading

• Tape still critical in any data archiving strategy

  Jason Buffington of Enterprise Strategy Group explains why the rumors of tape's demise, which is unlikely to happen soon, are greatly exaggerated.  Continue Reading

• What happened to CDP technology?

  George Crump of Storage Switzerland looks at how continuous data protection has evolved over the past 10 years.  Continue Reading

• Restoring data from backups after a security breach

  Once you've established how an attacker penetrated your network's defenses, and what they did after gaining access, the real work of restoring data begins in the wake of a security breach.  Continue Reading

• Data backup strategy from a disaster recovery perspective

  Brien Posey discusses data backup strategy for DR and the convergence of backup and disaster recovery technologies.  Continue Reading

• What to consider before users can perform self-service file restores

  Brien Posey offers a number of best practices for user self-service file restoration that can prevent issues and maximize effectiveness of the technology.  Continue Reading

• How private clouds impact the backup and recovery process

  Brien Posey explains why private clouds impact the backup and recovery process and what you can do to be sure your data is recoverable.  Continue Reading

• Backing up Linux VMs running on Microsoft Hyper-V

  Independent backup expert Brien Posey explains what you should know about backing up Linux VMs running on Microsoft Hyper-V.  Continue Reading

• Ensure your organization has backup redundancy

  There are a variety of ways to make sure you have backup redundancy. Independent backup expert Brien Posey explains in this tip.  Continue Reading

• The truth about using snapshot technology as data protection

  Marc Staimer discusses using snapshot technology in your data protection strategy and outlines issues you should know about before opting for this approach.  Continue Reading

• Ten common reasons why virtual machine backups fail

  Virtual machine backups can fail, and when they do, you must determine the cause of the failure. Here are 10 common reasons for VM backup failure.  Continue Reading

• Ten common reasons for VM restore failure

  When a VM restore fails, you must troubleshoot quickly. Event logs are a good start, but can be cryptic. Here are 10 causes of VM restore failures.  Continue Reading

• Techniques for performing EFS recovery

  IT pros face the daunting task of EFS-encrypted data, but Brien Posey offers EFS recovery tricks in this tip.  Continue Reading

• Navigating the challenges of OpenStack backup

  Brien Posey explains the unique challenges admins face when performing OpenStack backup.  Continue Reading

• How to dispose of unwanted backup media

  Brien Posey looks at the inherent problems with backup media disposal. Because it contains sensitive data, you must dispose of it safely.  Continue Reading

• Are disk-to-disk backup solutions too slow for modern recovery?

  Colm Keegan looks at why disk-to-disk backup solutions may offer poor performance for shops running flash for primary storage.  Continue Reading

• Can you standardize enterprise backup?

  Eric Slack looks at whether it is possible to standardize on one enterprise backup application for an entire organization or even larger data centers.  Continue Reading

• Using PowerShell for bare-metal recovery

  Brien Posey shows you how to create backup in PowerShell that is suitable for performing a bare-metal recovery.  Continue Reading

• Pros and cons of the integrated data backup appliance

  Data center backup solutions are complicated; hence, the integrated data backup appliance. George Crump examines whether it is the right approach.  Continue Reading

• Using the Hyper-V Replica feature to supplement backup

  Backup expert Brien Posey explains how the Hyper-V Replica feature can supplement backup and offers step-by-step instructions for testing replicas.  Continue Reading

• The importance of backup policies

  It is important to establish a regimen of data protection defined by clear backup policies that can be followed by IT and business stakeholders.  Continue Reading

• Data management, testing keys to success of cloud backup services

  Independent backup and disaster recovery expert Jon Toigo discusses the importance of data management and testing for cloud backup services.  Continue Reading

• Four critically important things to know about Hyper-V backups

  In this tip, independent backup expert Brien Posey outlines four things you need to know about Microsoft Hyper-V backups to avoid common pitfalls.  Continue Reading

• Integrating e-discovery process with traditional backup

  Independent backup expert Brien Posey looks at how the e-discovery process and traditional backup software products have become more integrated today.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft ReFS backup: Ensuring compatibility and testing

  Independent backup expert Brien Posey outlines important considerations for Microsoft ReFS backup in this tip.  Continue Reading

• Pros and cons of backup tape encryption

  Independent backup expert Brien Posey outlines what's good and what's bad about backup tape encryption in this tip.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2012 deduplication vs. backup software dedupe

  Independent backup expert Brien Posey compares backup software deduplication and Windows Server 2012 deduplication and discusses their compatibility.  Continue Reading

• SharePoint recovery on an item-level basis

  SharePoint recovery of data can be complicated, but in this tip, Brien Posey shows how to perform item-level data recovery.  Continue Reading

• Designing a redundant backup solution

  Brien Posey discusses the three areas you need to focus on when designing a redundant backup solution.  Continue Reading

• Virtual machine backup and restoration in a Windows failover cluster

  Learn about Windows failover clusters and their role in VM backups and restoration in this tip from Microsoft expert Brien Posey.  Continue Reading

• Protecting your virtualization infrastructure

  Brien Posey offers some reasons why you should protect your virtualization infrastructure and lists specific components that must be protected.  Continue Reading

• Performing Microsoft System Center DPM bare-metal recovery

  Bare-metal recovery with Microsoft System Center DPM is easier than you might think. Brien Posey explains the process in this tip.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Office 365 backup considerations for Exchange Server

  In this tip, Brien Posey discusses Microsoft Office 365 backup for Exchange Server. You have fewer options for restoring your data than you may think.  Continue Reading

• Understanding your options for virtual tape library solutions

  Shopping for virtual tape library solutions can be a challenge thanks to the sheer number of choices available. Learn why in this Brien Posey tip.  Continue Reading

• Effective data sanitization: How regulations and standards address it

  Effective use of data sanitization techniques lessens the chance that valuable data could be stolen or compromised.  Continue Reading

• SAN backup and recovery

  Moving data can complicate your backup efforts. In this tip, you’ll learn backup goals for SAN environments and backup methods to achieve those goals.  Continue Reading

• The value of VMware’s Changed Block Tracking (CBT)

  VMware’s Changed Block Tracking is an important part of VMware’s efforts to simplify and improve the VMware virtual machine backup process.  Continue Reading

• Five Symantec NetBackup error messages and how to resolve them

  Five of the most common NetBackup status codes can be traced to issues with permissions, resource allocation or configuration. Learn what you can do to resolve them.  Continue Reading

• Revitalize mainframe storage performance with VSAM

  The traditional VSAM storage tactic sees renewed use as mainframe virtualization grows.  Continue Reading

• Active Directory restores: How to restore deleted objects

  Brien Posey shows how to perform an Active Directory restore using authoritative and non-authoritative techniques.  Continue Reading

• IIS backup: How to protect Microsoft Internet Information Services

  This tip offers information about how to perform a Microsoft IIS backup.  Continue Reading

• Five Microsoft DPM errors and how to prevent them

  Microsoft DPM can produce a wide variety of errors. This article discusses how to solve five common errors that you are likely to encounter.  Continue Reading

• Vendors line up to deliver backup appliances

  When choosing a backup appliance, it is important to evaluate the functionality you need now, and what you may need going forward.  Continue Reading

• Hyper-V backup best practices: Hypervisor backup vs. VM backups

  In this tip, learn about Hyper-V backup best practices, as well as the differences between hypervisor backup vs. VM backup.  Continue Reading

• The importance of Symantec's OpenStorage Technology in backup today

  Learn about why Symantec's OpenStorage Technology (OST) and its role in backup and recovery today.  Continue Reading

• Backing up a Windows Server 2008 group policy

  While a Windows Server 2008 group policy is copied automatically, it is easier to manage when you make your own group policy-specific backup.  Continue Reading

• Virtual machine backup software checklist

  With this checklist, learn how to determine what features and functions you need in virtual machine backup software.  Continue Reading

• Backing up VMs: Traditional apps vs. virtual machine backup software

  In this tip on backing up VMs, learn about the pros and cons of traditional backup software vs. VM backup software.  Continue Reading

• Wbadmin backup tips for backing up Windows

  The Windows Wbadmin backup command can appear deceptively simple to use. In this tip, we'll teach you the basics of using Wbadmin and its commands.  Continue Reading

• Printer backup and recovery tips

  Learn the best way to back up and recover your printers when you upgrade a server from Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008.  Continue Reading

• The benefits of deduplication and where you should dedupe your data

  With a growing number of vendors offering data deduplication solutions, we review the benefits of deduplication and specific dedupe products.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 archiving best practices

  With Exchange Server 2010, Microsoft Corp. made significant changes. Learn Microsoft Exchange 2010 archiving best practices in this tip.  Continue Reading

• Cloud-based email archiving pros and cons

  Cloud-based archiving is an attractive proposition for many firms, but before you start using the cloud, there are some things you need to consider.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft's Hyper-V snapshots offer quick VM backups, but with limits

  Microsoft’s Hyper-V snapshots offer a quick way to back up virtual machines during upgrades, but they’re no substitute for long-term archives.  Continue Reading

• Five IBM Tivoli Storage Manager backup errors and how to prevent them

  Learn how to correct the top five IBM Tivoli Storage Manager backup errors in this tip from backup expert Pierre Dorion.  Continue Reading

• Offsite backup tape storage and choosing a tape vaulting service

  Given the critical nature of offsite backup tape storage, you must perform due diligence in selecting a tape vaulting service.  Continue Reading

• Cloud backup provider checklist: Criteria for choosing a cloud service

  Read our cloud provider checklist before you sign on the dotted line with a cloud backup service.  Continue Reading

• Top three SQL Server database backup tips

  Check out our top three solutions to the most vexing SQL Server database backup problems.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager backup techniques

  Learn how to back up Virtual Machine Manager in this tip, and how to perform a manual and a scripted backup.  Continue Reading

• Hyper-V recovery: Top tips for restoring Hyper-V virtual machines

  Good backups are only one half of a solid data protection plan. Check out our best tips for solving common Hyper-V recovery problems.  Continue Reading

• Global data deduplication explained

  Global data deduplication can yield significant capacity savings, but its most attractive feature may be the architecture it's built upon.  Continue Reading

• Top tips for troubleshooting Hyper-V backups

  Follow these Hyper-V troubleshooting steps to give you help you solve Hyper-V backup issues when they arise.  Continue Reading

• Data archiving techniques: Choosing the best archive media

  Read this tip about data archiving techniques and to discover what's the best archive media for your organization: tape, disk, optical or the cloud.  Continue Reading