Tips

Tips

• 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

• Application awareness comes to hypervisor snapshots

  Brien Posey discusses why hypervisor-based snapshots can cause problems when they're applied to application servers and how application awareness can mitigate the issue.  Continue Reading

• Q&A: Tape use for archiving

  SearchDataBackup managing editor Ed Hannan and ESG analyst Mark Peters discuss tape use for archiving in this Q&A.  Continue Reading

• Cloud data protection for laptops, desktops and mobile devices

  Independent backup expert Brien Posey discusses the variety of ways data on laptops, desktops and mobile devices can be copied to the cloud today, and the pros and cons of each approach.  Continue Reading

• Can data backup and archiving be converged?

  George Crump discusses data backup and archiving, and the value of merging these tasks as well as the challenges associated with doing so.  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

• Dedupe explained: A primer on backup deduplication in 2014

  Backup deduplication is so common today, it is often taken for granted. However, there are a number of things to consider before choosing a dedupe approach.  Continue Reading

• Best in breed or one size fits all: Which makes more sense?

  Brien Posey compares backup using a single, enterprise-grade backup software product vs. choosing a variety of best-in-breed products to address different data protection needs.  Continue Reading

• Is traditional enterprise backup dead?

  Colm Keegan of Storage Switzerland takes a look at virtual server backup today to determine whether enterprise backup is still relevant.  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

• Prevent backup performance issues caused by virtual backups

  Colm Keegan of Storage Switzerland discusses ways to prevent performance issues associated with virtual backups.  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

• Endpoint data protection vs. file sync and share

  The line between endpoint data protection and file sync and share has blurred as endpoint backup products can access protected data from devices beyond laptops.  Continue Reading

• Navigate large file backup challenges

  Although media capacity and backup application compatibility issues have disappeared, Brien Posey looks at the remaining large file backup challenges.  Continue Reading

• Backing up Office 365 Exchange Server, SharePoint no easy task

  Protecting Microsoft Office 365 data is no piece of cake. Brien Posey looks at the challenges of backing up Office 365 Exchange Server and SharePoint.  Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of cloud-based backup

  Cloud-based backup appeals to many businesses because it offers a low-cost way to protect business data off-site. But beware, Colm Keegan says.  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

• Considerations for aging application backup amid technology changes

  Brien Posey looks at why backup administrators must consider the impact of changing technology with regard to aging application backup.  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

• The differences between hardware replication and software replication

  Before an organization can perform data replication, it must decide if it wants hardware replication or to replicate data at the software level.  Continue Reading

• Is this the end for target deduplication storage appliances?

  Marc Staimer examines why the target deduplication storage appliance market appears to be in decline, even with the presence of EMC, Symantec and HP.  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

• Virtual server sprawl and your backups: How can you cope?

  Brien Posey looks at how although there are a number of techniques developed to reduce virtual server sprawl, the problem has not been eliminated.  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

• Working with the Windows 8 File History feature

  Microsoft expert Brien Posey explains what the Windows 8 File History feature is designed to do and why it is not a comprehensive backup product.  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

• Backing up WordPress sites

  There are options for backing up WordPress sites, but those options are limited by whether you are hosting the WordPress site yourself.  Continue Reading

• Backup deduplication can help, but it's no magic bullet

  SearchDataBackup contributor John Hilliard and independent storage expert Marc Staimer discuss backup deduplication in this Q&A.  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

• Speeding up backup deduplication

  Deduplication is a key piece of the backup process, but it can bog down backup systems. Find out how dedupe accelerators help backup deduplication.  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

• Expert advice: Addressing the challenges of endpoint backup

  This collection of expert advice offers insight on addressing the challenges of endpoint backup to ensure your organization's data is protected.  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

• Deduplication and data lifecycle management

  Independent backup expert Brien Posey offers information about how data deduplication impacts data lifecycle management in this tip.  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

• Secure backups require more than just encrypting data

  Independent backup expert Brien Posey says that encrypting data is not a substitute for strong physical security and proper account usage.  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

• Endpoint device management key to controlling corporate data

  Storage expert Jon Toigo analyzes how security, bandwidth constraints and cloud services factor into endpoint device management strategies.  Continue Reading

• Cloud vs. in-house for mobile backups

  When it comes to mobile backups, some organizations take an on premises approach; others prefer the cloud.  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

• Office 365 backup for Lync

  When it comes to Office 365 backup, administrators can be lulled into a false sense of security, particularly when it comes to Lync Server data. Microsoft expert Brien Posey offers tips to make it easier.  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

• An introduction to serverless backups

  Taking production servers out of the backup process can increase backup efficiency. This tip outlines how serverless backups are performed today.  Continue Reading

• An introduction to LAN-free backups

  LAN-free backups alleviate network congestion and make backup more efficient.  Continue Reading

• Backup Exec 2012 upgrade features new tasks, improved workflows

  Symantec Backup Exec 2012 is significantly different than previous versions. This tip details how to perform some key tasks in the new version.  Continue Reading

• Windows 8 backup: Microsoft improves built-in backup utilities

  Microsoft expert Brien Posey says that Microsoft has made some key changes that improve Windows 8 backup.  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

• Cloud backups offer benefits, present challenges

  The idea of supplementing your physical servers with cloud backups is an appealing one. But there are issues you’ll need to consider.  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