Tips

Tips

• Is Microsoft System Center Data Protection Manager (DPM) right for your organization?

  Microsoft System Center Data Protection Manager (DPM) is a solid backup app, but it does have limitations. Here are some of the most common DPM errors and problems.  Continue Reading

• Developing an electronic data retention policy

  Every organization should have a documented electronic data retention policy. Learn how to develop and enforce a data retention policy in this tip.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft System Center Data Protection Manager: Using DPM's System Recovery Tool

  Learn how to use Microsoft's System Center Data Protection Manager's System Recovery Tool to recover a failed server in this tip.  Continue Reading

• Data backup management strategies: Combining tape backup and disk-based backup

  Even though disk-based backup is all the rage, tape still has its place. Learn how you can get the best of both worlds in this data backup management tip.  Continue Reading

• VM backup strategies: Backing up virtual machines in VMware vSphere

  Problems backing up virtual machines? Learn about the latest VM backup strategies when backing up VMs in VMware vSphere.  Continue Reading

• How to back up and restore domain controllers with Windows Server Backup

  Learn how to back up and restore domain controllers with Windows Server Backup in this backup tip by Brien Posey.  Continue Reading

• CommVault Simpana 8 backup tips: Storage policies and data retention

  Learn important data backup tips using CommVault Simpana 8 about storage policies and data retention.  Continue Reading

• Windows NTBackup restore troubleshooting tips

  Organizations that use Windows NTBackup discover all too often they can't restore their backups. You'll learn how to avoid problems with NTBackup restores in this tip.  Continue Reading

• Branch office backup questions and answers

  What can IT organizations do about branch office backup headaches? Get your most important branch office backup questions answered in this backup and recovery tip.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting common NDMP backup errors

  Learn how to troubleshoot the most common NDMP backup errors, and what you can do to prevent them.  Continue Reading

• Buying your first backup tape library: What you need to know

  In this tip, find out what you need to know when buying your first tape library, including when to consider a library, the cost of libraries and which format best fits your needs.  Continue Reading

• Best cloud backup and recovery tips: A primer on cloud data backup

  We've collected our top five tips on cloud backup. Learn about cloud data backup security, how to choose the best cloud backup service, cloud backup management, and more.  Continue Reading

• Data archiving best practices: The difference between backups and archives

  In this collection of data archiving tips, learn data archiving best practices and the differences between backups and archives.  Continue Reading

• Buying the best backup tape library: Tape libraries vs. tape autoloaders

  Learn about how to buy the best backup tape library and the key differences between tape libraries and tape autoloaders in this tip.  Continue Reading

• Cloud archiving: Choosing the best features from the best cloud service provider

  Cloud storage and archiving continue to gain support, but which provider should you choose? Read about two popular options to help you decide.  Continue Reading

• Cloud data storage services for smaller businesses: The pros and cons

  This tip explores the pros and cons of cloud data storage services for SMBs.  Continue Reading

• What you need to know about Microsoft Exchange Server backup and recovery

  There are a lot of new changes in Microsoft Exchange Server 2010. In this tip, discover what you need to know about Microsoft Exchange Server backup and recovery.  Continue Reading

• What you need to know about LTO-5 tape: Tips and news on LTO-5 backup tape storage

  We've collected our best resources on LTO-5 tape backup to help you stay up to date on this new technology.  Continue Reading

• Data backup and storage networking basics: Why back up network hardware?

  Learn about why it's important to back up your network hardware, get troubleshooting tips and expert advice about network hardware backup in this article.  Continue Reading

• Network server backup best practices: Backing up clustered servers

  Backing up network servers can be tricky, especially if you're backing up clustered servers. Learn clustered server backup best practices in this tip.  Continue Reading

• Using disk imaging software in data backup and recovery

  Disk imaging software can help simplify and save time in your daily data backup and recovery process, but it's important to know what to look for in disk imaging software.  Continue Reading

• Service-level agreement management considerations when using online data backup services

  There are many service-level agreement management considerations to be aware of when using online data backup services. Read our list before you sign on the dotted line.  Continue Reading

• Tiered data backup storage strategies

  Tiered data storage is often neglected in data backup and recovery plans, but tiering your data is crucial to reduce risks and costs.  Continue Reading

• An introduction to Microsoft SharePoint 2007 backup and recovery

  SharePoint integrates data from many sources, presenting it in a simple Web interface. Because data is pulled from various locations, it can be difficult to back up and recover.  Continue Reading

• How to back up encrypted files and how to use the Encrypting File System

  With data backup security being such a high priority, more organizations are encrypting the contents of their file servers. Although encryption improves security, it can complicate an organization's backup efforts.  Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of tape media storage for backup and recovery in SMB environments

  Learn about the pros and cons of tape media storage, and if tape storage is the right fit for your SMB environment.  Continue Reading

• Protecting disk-to-disk backups and continuous data protection

  Continuous data protection (CDP) products offer numerous advantages over traditional tape backup techniques but disk-to-disk backups have other downsides you need to be aware of.  Continue Reading

• New features in VMware vSphere that benefit data backup and recovery

  Here's a look at the new features in VMware vSphere that will make data backup and recovery chores easier.  Continue Reading

• Using different types of storage snapshot technologies for data protection

  Storage snapshots are commonly used to enhance data protection systems and dramatically shorten recovery time objectives (RTOs) and recovery point objectives (RPOs). Here's a look at the different types of snapshot technologies and the pros and cons...  Continue Reading

• Top 10 data backup and recovery tips of 2009

  Read about the top 10 data backup and recovery tips of 2009. Learn about topics from data replication to CDP to data deduplication.  Continue Reading

• Storage snapshot technologies in data backup and recovery

  Storage snapshot technology was originally architected to solve several data backup problems. Learn about the different types of snapshots in this tip.  Continue Reading

• Data backup vs. data archiving: Is data backup closing the gap?

  The data backup and recovery community advocate that backups are not archives, but are backups closing that gap? Learn about their similarities and differences in this tip.  Continue Reading

• An introduction to data backup tape rotation schemes

  Learn about the different types of data backup tape rotation schemes to determine which one is best for your environment.  Continue Reading

• Creating a System Recovery Disk in Windows 7: A step-by-step tutorial

  Learn how to create a Systems Recovery Disk in Windows 7 for a bare-metal restore in this step-by-step tutorial.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server backup and recovery best practices

  Learn the top SQL Server data backup and recovery best practices and tips in this article.  Continue Reading

• Upgrading from LTO-3 to LTO-4 tape for data backup and recovery

  Upgrading from LTO-3 to LTO-4 to take advantage of LTO-4 improvements in speed and capacity is a good idea for many organizations. Here's a look at potential issues.  Continue Reading

• Fail-in-place systems: Avoiding hard disk drive failures

  Fail-in-place storage systems, such Atrato's V1000 and Xiotech's Emprise 5000 or ISE, can virtually eliminate hard disk drive replacement service calls.  Continue Reading

• Are data backup vendor certifications valuable for backup administrators?

  Are data backup vendor certifications valuable for backup administrators? It's important to consider whether the benefit that you will receive from data backup vendor certification is enough to offset the cost and effort expended in obtaining that ...  Continue Reading

• Choosing a Linux system backup tool: Pros and cons of popular Linux backup apps

  When it comes to choosing a data backup system tool for Linux, the problem isn't finding options. It's choosing the one that best matches your businesses' needs. Here are six popular Linux data backup offerings and the pros and cons of each.  Continue Reading

• Dedupe dos and don'ts: Data deduplication technology best practices

  Learn best practices for implementing data deduplication into your backup system from backup expert W. Curtis Preston.  Continue Reading

• Fine-tuning tape storage systems for better data backup performance

  If you're using tape as your backup medium, you're likely to need to fine-tune your system. Here are some tips on speeding up your tape backup system.  Continue Reading

• Archiving data to cloud storage: How to choose the right cloud storage provider

  Before archiving data to the cloud, learn the five questions you should ask to ensure that your choice of a public or private cloud storage provider will meet your requirements.  Continue Reading

• Solutions for backing up open files in a Microsoft Windows environment

  Just because a file is open doesn't mean it shouldn't be backed up. Learn solutions for backing up open files in a Windows environment in this tip.  Continue Reading

• Tape backup best practices: How to improve tape storage performance

  Despite all the hype around disk-based data backup and recovery tape storage is still the primary target for most backups. Not only is the most data stored on tape, but most data is backed up directly to tape without using disk as a buffer. With ...  Continue Reading

• Using Symantec NetBackup OpenStorage for disk-to-disk backup and recovery

  Learn about using Symantec 's Veritas NetBackup OpenStorage option for disk-to-disk data backup and recovery.  Continue Reading

• VMware Data Recovery Manager: A guide to installing and using VDR

  VMware Data Recovery (VDR) is VMware's first entry into the virtual machine backup arena. VMware Data Recovery installation and features are discussed to help you decide if it's the right product for your VM backup environment.  Continue Reading

• Using storage snapshot technologies as part of your data backup strategy

  Storage snapshots provide a fast method of providing a copy of your data in case a file is lost or deleted. For that reason, they are becoming a popular as a way of handling some backups.  Continue Reading

• Formulating a remote-office data backup and recovery plan

  We look at data protection for remote offices. Here's what you need to know to formulate a data backup and recovery plan for your remote and branch offices.  Continue Reading

• Using Symantec Backup Exec Advanced Open File Option

  Symantec Backup Exec has been around for more than a decade. Learn about using its Advanced Open File Option to back up open files.  Continue Reading

• Where and how to use data deduplication technology in disk-based backup

  The data deduplication market is getting crowded and confusing. Avoid trouble by knowing where and how to use data deduplication.  Continue Reading

• VMware vStorage API for Data Protection backup and recovery tips

  Conventional, agent-based, file-level techniques for virtual machine backup can be tricky. Learn VMware vStorage API for Data Protection backup tips for virtual machines.  Continue Reading

• Symantec Backup Exec troubleshooting performance tips

  If you're using Backup Exec and your performance isn't what it should be, some troubleshooting may be in order. Here's a list of potential things to look out for.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting data backup error log messages

  Knowing what how to read your data backup error log messages can help you save time fixing common backup problems. Learn about the most common backup error messages in this tip.  Continue Reading

• Linux data backup and recovery strategies

  Linux data backup products are adding new capabilities and becoming even more mainstream. Learn about popular Linux data backup and recovery applications, and Linux data backup and recovery tips for modern backup systems.  Continue Reading

• Understanding data deduplication ratios in backup systems

  Data deduplication ratios can be very confusing. Learn about how to estimate a data deduplication ratio in your backup system and how to evaluate a dedupe product in this tip.  Continue Reading

• Using an autoloader tape drive for data backup in SMBs

  For SMBs, an autoloader tape drive offers more convenience than a standalone tape drive, and a lower price than a tape library. Learn more about using an autoloader tape drive in an SMB environment.  Continue Reading

• Using custom data backup scripts in a modern backup environment

  Not too long ago, data backup was controlled by backup scripts, which were written by the people who used them. We look at the pros and cons of custom backup scripts in today's modern backup environment.  Continue Reading

• EMC NetWorker backup best practices

  Brien Posey shares EMC NetWorker backup best practices and troubleshooting tips in this article on EMC NetWorker backup.  Continue Reading

• Data security concerns with online backup

  Data security concerns with online backup are often ignored. Online data backup offers a lot of value, however, there are downsides you absolutely need to be aware of.  Continue Reading

• How to choose an enterprise-ready virtual tape library

  Learn how to choose a virtual tape library (VTL) that matches your enterprise's needs, and how to decide which VTL has the right performance, scalability and price.  Continue Reading

• IBM Tivoli Storage Manager backup software tips

  IBM Tivoli Storage Manager (TSM) has been a popular data backup software product for more than 15 years. Learn about TSM implementation best practices, and how to troubleshoot common Tivoli Storage Manager issues.  Continue Reading

• Data deduplication technology: The business case for dedupe

  If you've considered implementing data deduplication, you may be asked how it will benefit your business. This tip will help you decide if dedupe is right for your business.  Continue Reading

• VMware ESX backup alternatives

  Learn about alternative methods for backing up virtual disks in this tip on VMware ESX backup.  Continue Reading

• A comparison of data compression and data deduplication technologies for SMBs

  Data deduplication can often refer to technologies that aren't really deduplication at all. In this tip, we'll discuss the different types of data compression, the pros and cons of each and offer recommendations for SMB storage environments.  Continue Reading

• Ten questions to ask your online data backup provider

  Like any storage solution, there are key questions that need to be answered by any potential online backup service providers so you understand the risks involved. Learn about the key questions to ask potential online data backup service providers.  Continue Reading

• Alternatives to tape-based backup and archival systems

  Are you thinking of moving away from tape for data backup? Here's a look at some alternatives to tape-based backup, such as online backup and disk.  Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of host-based vs. appliance-based tape encryption

  Choosing a tape encryption method can be tricky. Here's a look at the pros and cons of host-based vs. appliance-based tape encryption.  Continue Reading

• How to get the most out of your data backup tapes: Caring for magnetic media

  Careless tape handling can cut the lifespan of your tapes, or even destroy a tape entirely. Here's how to properly care for your backup tapes.  Continue Reading

• Continuous data protection: Near vs. real CDP

  Continuous data protection (CDP) and near-CDP offer data recovery options that aren't possible with a traditional backup system. Backup expert Curtis Preston explains the differences between real and near-CDP and the pros and cons of each.  Continue Reading

• Continuous data protection: Solutions for SMBs

  Until recently, SMBs were less likely to implement continuous data protection (CDP) due to its cost and complexity. In the second part of our series on CDP, we'll look at the CDP product offerings that are relevant in the SMB space.  Continue Reading

• Continuous data protection: Pros and cons for SMBs

  Until recently, SMBs were less likely to implement continuous data protection (CDP) due to its cost and complexity. In the first part of our series on CDP, we'll examine when to consider CDP and deploy it in the SMB space.  Continue Reading

• How to decide what data to back up

  Deciding what data to back up can be a delicate balancing act for backup administrators. Here's how to set a backup policy you can live with.  Continue Reading

• How to optimize your backup tape rotation strategy

  Backup tape rotation is an essential part of any good data backup plan. Here's a look at some of the more common tape rotation strategies and the pros and cons of each.  Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of disk-based backup: An SMB perspective

  While tape is the traditional technology for backing up your data, it is increasingly being replaced and supplemented by disk. This tip takes a look at the pros and cons of moving to disk-based backup in an SMB environment.  Continue Reading

• A comparison of data backup software packages and their integration with VMware

  Are you trying to decide which backup software to use with VMware Infrastructure 3? Here's a look at how some of the major data backup software packages integrate with VI3.  Continue Reading

• Backing up with Microsoft's Data Protection Manager

  There are a number of things that could potentially cause a Microsoft Data Protection Manager (DPM) server to fail. Here's a step-by-step guide to backing up with Microsoft Data Protection Manager.  Continue Reading

• Outsourcing backup: Questions to ask your vendor

  Outsourcing backups can be a convenient and reliable method of handling backups -- if you select the right vendor. Here's what you need to know before you sign on the dotted line.  Continue Reading

• Avoiding VMware virtual machine backup pitfalls

  There are a variety of methods you can use to back up your virtual machines running on your VMware ESX hosts. Here's a look at some common mistakes and how to avoid them.  Continue Reading

• Common data backup error messages

  It is important to understand backup software error messages. Here's an overview of some of the most common ones and what you can do to solve your backup problems.  Continue Reading

• How to back up and restore a certificate store

  One type of server that is critical to back up is your enterprise certificate authority. If you lose your certificates, you lose data.  Continue Reading

• Data deduplication methods: Block-level versus byte-level dedupe

  Block-level and byte-level data deduplication methods deliver the benefit of optimizing storage capacity. When, where and how the processes work should be reviewed for your data backup environment and its specific requirements before selecting one ...  Continue Reading

• Using Dump for Linux/Unix data backup

  This article describes the major advantages and disadvantages of using dump to back up your data.  Continue Reading

• Ten ways you can make your data backups more secure

  While data backups are essential to effective security, mismanagement and mishandling of backups can often increase security woes. In this tip, Kevin Beaver discusses ten ways your business can make its data backups more secure.  Continue Reading

• Top 10 things to ask a vendor when buying backup software

  Before you rush out to buy new data backup software, here are 10 questions you should ask potential backup vendors to help you decide what is best for your backup environment.  Continue Reading

• Backup vs. archive

  Data backups and archives are different things. Backup and recovery expert Pierre Dorion discusses the role of backups vs. archives and why you shouldn't mistake one for the other.  Continue Reading

• Benefits and drawbacks of incremental and differential backup

  The differences between incremental and differential backups continue to generate many debates and cause confusion. Read this tip to learn how incremental and differential backups differ, and the benefits, drawbacks and uses of each.  Continue Reading

• Ten things you should ask a vendor before buying a tape library

  Purchasing the right tape library can make or break your backup system. Here are 10 things you should ask any potential vendor before you purchase a new tape library.  Continue Reading

• Bare-metal backup and restore options

  This article looks at the different bare-metal restoration solutions and the pros and cons of each.  Continue Reading

• Data protection for financial organizations

  Protecting data is especially critical for financial institutions with large amounts of sensitive personal data. A variety of government regulations make this task especially onerous. Here are five ways storage administrators can ease their backup ...  Continue Reading

• Backup and recovery basics: Testing your backups

  All too often testing is the missing step in making backups. This tip explores how often you should be testing your backups and some things to look out for.  Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of file-level vs. block-level data deduplication technology

  Some data deduplication approaches operate at the file level, while others examine data at a block level. This tip explores advantages and disadvantages of each method.  Continue Reading

• The differences between block-based and file-based data backup

  This tip examines the differences between block-based and file-based data backup and will help you choose what's best for you.  Continue Reading

• Data backup options for remote sites

  Data backup for remote sites can be very challenging. But there are several new storage technologies, most notably data deduplication, that can facilitate remote office backup.  Continue Reading

• Data backup strategies: Migrating from tape to disk

  Here's a checklist of things you should consider before you make the transition from tape to disk for data backup.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting Microsoft Exchange data backup and restores

  There are many things that can go wrong when backing up and restoring Microsoft Exchange data. Here's a list of some of the most frequent problems and how to correct them.  Continue Reading

• How to choose the right tape library

  Choosing an expandable, modular tape library with sophisticated management features to support your enterprise can be difficult. Here's how to make the right choice.  Continue Reading

• Tips and tools for making the most of event log files

  Nearly every part of your system reports events can be logged. This tip discusses which events you should log and best practices for making sense out of that information once it is logged.  Continue Reading

• Data deletion or data destruction?

  It's often assumed that once data has been marked for disposal, it no longer requires much attention. But when data backups or archives are deleted, are they really gone?  Continue Reading

• The advantages of tape for data backup

  With the current focus on disk-based data backup technologies, tape seems to be an outmoded technology, but tape is not dead. Here's why.  Continue Reading

• The top 10 causes of slow data backups

  If your backups start to take longer, examine your system even if the backups are within your normal backup window. Here's a list of 10 things that may be slowing things down.  Continue Reading