Tutorials

Tutorials

• Backup testing: A step-by-step tutorial

  Testing backups is a key piece of the data protection puzzle. Explore the different approaches and frequencies you can use to make sure your backups work.  Continue Reading

• 6 best practices for choosing a cloud backup provider

  Learn six criteria for choosing the best cloud backup vendor for your organization. Key among these is knowing your unique needs.  Continue Reading

• Inline deduplication vs. post-processing: Data dedupe best practices

  Will inline or post-processing deduplication work better for your data protection platform? There are several products on the market that offer these capabilities.  Continue Reading

• Essential tips for making VMware backups

  Before tackling a VMware backup, read up on some of the best practices - and how to avoid the potential pitfalls - using some of our essential tips.  Continue Reading

• What you need to know about Hyper-V backup

  We've assembled some of our best tips and strategies make life easier during Hyper-V backups.  Continue Reading

• Disk backup systems continue to evolve to meet growing challenges

  Disk backup systems have become commonplace and continue to evolve to meet new challenges associated with virtualization and data growth.  Continue Reading

• Cloud backups seen as alternative to tape in some organizations

  Cloud backups involve placing data on off-site storage that is owned and maintained by a vendor who charges a fee based on the service level.  Continue Reading

• Tape backup technology guide

  Learn about the latest trends in tape backup technology in our guide containing our latest tips, news and expert advice on tape.  Continue Reading

• Laptop backup solutions emerge to address remote backup challenges

  This two-part tutorial outlines remote laptop backup challenges and looks at laptop backup solutions available today.  Continue Reading

• Remote laptop backup remains a challenge for many organizations

  This tutorial outlines remote laptop backup challenges and endpoint backup options, as well as best practices from experts in the field.  Continue Reading

• Remote and mobile data backup: Backup's last frontier

  With organizations becoming more mobile, the time to get a handle on mobile data backup is now.  Continue Reading

• Hybrid cloud backup: D2D2C emerging as a viable data backup strategy

  Disk-to-disk backup took backup industry by storm, but a new force -- the cloud -- has arrived on the backup scene. Learn how hybrid cloud backup is poised to shake up D2D backup.  Continue Reading

• Deduplication backup basics for small businesses

  To help SMBs implement deduplication backup in their environments, we've collected our top tips and articles on data deduplication technology.  Continue Reading

• Choosing the right remote site backup approach

  In this tutorial on remote site backup, learn about the pros and cons of onsite data backups, centralized backups and cloud backups for remote sites. Also, take a look at one company's approach to backing up remote sites.  Continue Reading

• Tape backup encryption best practices

  Tape backup encryption is being used for many organizations, but figuring out how to implement it can be challenging. Learn about tape encryption best practices in this article.  Continue Reading

• VMware backup software and a vSphere backup solution checklist

  In this tutorial, we look at the questions you'll face when choosing VMware backup software. Then, you can download our free VMware backup solution checklist.  Continue Reading

• Snapshot backup software vs. traditional data backup software

  In this tutorial on snapshot backup software, learn about near-CDP and snapshots, redirect-on-write snapshots, and how to restore snapshot data.  Continue Reading

• Tape storage systems continue to evolve with long-term data archiving functionality

  As more and more organizations turn to disk backup, tape continues to evolve with data archiving specific functionality.  Continue Reading

• Long-term data archiving strategies

  Did you know you can help manage data growth by using a data archiving tool? To help you get started, we've collected our top resources on long-term data archiving in this guide.  Continue Reading

• Data backup software and cloud-based backup working together

  Learn about how your data backup software can utilize cloud services to facilitate a better backup and recovery process for your organization.  Continue Reading

• Source-based deduplication tutorial

  Learn how one manufacturing firm decided on source-based deduplication, and how you can determine if source dedupe is right for your needs.  Continue Reading

• Data archiving methods and best practices for small businesses

  Improper data archiving methods or improper use of archiving software can lead to legal problems in your business. Find out how to avoid data archiving problems with these top six articles on data archiving.  Continue Reading

• A look inside continuous data protection software

  In part two of this guide on continuous data protection (CDP) backup, learn about how continuous data protection software works, and why it's so popular today.  Continue Reading

• Near-CDP in backup and recovery explained

  Learn about how near-CDP in backup and recovery is defined, and about the pros and cons of near-CDP products in backup and recovery in part 3 of this guide.  Continue Reading

• Continuous data protection backup products getting new lease on life

  In this guide on continuous data protection backup products, learn about the future of CDP, what it's being used for, and the difference between true-CDP and near-CDP.  Continue Reading

• Backup with deduplication: A free download

  Download our free guide on backup with deduplication to get answers to your toughest deduplication questions.  Continue Reading

• Continuous data protection backup tutorial on CDP tools

  In this continuous data protection backup tutorial, learn about how CDP tools are being used, what you need in a CDP tool, and near-CDP vs. real-CDP.  Continue Reading

• What you need to know about Linux backup tools

  Linux backup can be confusing and daunting. To help you gain a more in-depth look at Linux backup, we've compiled five helpful tips and articles.  Continue Reading

• Third-party SharePoint backup tools: A SharePoint tutorial

  Learn about third-party SharePoint backup tools in the second part of our SharePoint tutorial by W. Curtis Preston.  Continue Reading

• Streamlining Microsoft SharePoint backup and recovery: A SharePoint tutorial

  Although it's great for streamlining your office operations chores, it can be troublesome when it comes to data backup and recovery. Learn SharePoint backup best practices in our SharePoint tutorial.  Continue Reading

• Quest vRanger Pro 4.5 backup and recovery tutorial

  Quest recently released vRanger Pro 4.5. This tutorial will review the new version and provide some tips and other helpful information for using vRanger Pro 4.5.  Continue Reading

• An off-site tape storage tutorial: Tape backup and recovery best practices

  Tape still fills the role of media for choice for off-site vaulting, but organizations have other options such as the cloud and replication for securing data for disaster recovery.  Continue Reading

• Data dedupe is transforming backup to disk

  Learn about how data dedupe is transforming backup to disk and backup apps in part two of our tutorial.  Continue Reading

• Continuous data protection is still alive in backup and recovery

  Continuous data protection is still alive in backup and recovery, and an important feature in backup applications.  Continue Reading

• Virtual server backup may finally be getting a little easier

  Virtual server backup may finally be getting a little easier, thanks to some new features and tools in popular backup applications.  Continue Reading

• What are synthetic backups and can you eliminate full backups?

  Learn about synthetic backups and whether or not the synthetic backup process can eliminate full backups.  Continue Reading

• Backup applications tutorial: Top new features and technologies in backup and recovery apps

  In this tutorial on backup applications, we'll explain how new technologies have changed backup applications to help you decide which backup application is best for your company's data protection needs.  Continue Reading

• Data protection management features take you beyond simple backup statistics

  When it comes to things like trending, capacity planning and issues beyond traditional backups, standalone data protection management products have carved out a unique niche.  Continue Reading

• Backup with deduplication: An essential guide

  Learn about data deduplication best practices in this essential guide on data dedupe and backup technology.  Continue Reading

• Evaluating remote data backup and recovery options

  In this tutorial on remote data backup and recovery, learn about in-house remote data backups, cloud-based data backups, data replication and disaster recovery (DR), data deduplication and continuous data protection.  Continue Reading

• Choosing the best data backup system: An SMB backup tutorial

  Choosing best data backup system for your company can be tricky. Learn which is best: tape, disk or cloud backup in this article by backup guru W. Curtis Preston.  Continue Reading

• Implementing disk backup storage systems: A small business data backup tutorial

  Learn all about implementing disk backup storage systems in our small business data backup tutorial.  Continue Reading

• Data deduping explained: Deduplication in data backup environments tutorial

  Learn everything you wanted to know about data deduping in our tutorial on data deduplication and data backup.  Continue Reading

• Data deduplication technology tutorial: A guide to data deduping and backup

  In this data deduplication technology tutorial, learn about what to look for in a data dedupe product, inline vs. post-processing dedupe, and global deduplication in backup.  Continue Reading

• Choosing data deduplication products: Hardware and software offerings

  Choosing a data deduplication product can be tricky. Learn about what to look for in a dedupe product, read about major data dedupe vendors and how to choose the best product for your company.  Continue Reading

• Global deduplication and backup: A primer

  Learn about global deduplication and backup in part two of our data deduplication tutorial.  Continue Reading

• Virtual server backup best practices: An essential guide to server virtualization and data backup

  This Essential Guide offers a collection of tips, tools and techniques that you can use to back up your virtual servers more efficiently. Discover virtual server backup best practices.  Continue Reading

• Secure data backup strategies for the enterprise: A backup security tutorial

  In this tutorial on secure data backup strategies, learn about encryption key management, encryption appliances, tape and disk encryption, cloud backup security, and secure data destruction.  Continue Reading

• Using continuous data protection (CDP) in your backup and recovery plan: A tutorial

  In this tutorial on using continuous data protection in your backup and recovery plan, learn about near vs. real time CDP and what to look for in a CDP tool.  Continue Reading

• Data backup security strategies: A tutorial on cloud security, encryption and data destruction

  Data security concerns are climbing the priority list for data backup pros, including tape encryption, cloud backup, key management and data deletion options.  Continue Reading

• VMware and virtual data backup and recovery technology tutorial

  In our tutorial on VMware and data backup, catch up with the latest developments in VMware backup and recovery. Learn about new VMware data backup and recovery tools, whether or not VMware Consolidated Backup is right for your organization, how to ...  Continue Reading

• New tools for better data backups: Next-generation backup and recovery tools e-guide

  With storage capacities growing at remarkable rates, it's time to get off the backup treadmill. Download our Next-Generation Data Backup Tools E-Guide and learn about the latest backup tools and techniques.  Continue Reading

• Remote data backup and recovery technology tutorial

  Learn about options for remote backup in this tutorial, including using in-house software, outsourcing to the cloud, WAN optimization, replication, data deduplication and continuous data protection.  Continue Reading

• Virtual tape libraries: A tutorial on managing VTL technology

  In this tutorial on virtual tape library technology, learn about buying and managing a VTL, VTLs and data deduplication, and virtual tape library vendors and products.  Continue Reading

• Data storage backup security tutorial: Tape encryption and cloud backup

  Data storage backups are an necessary element of data protection plan, but they're often the biggest source of security woes. Learn everything you need to know about keeping your backups secure in this tutorial.  Continue Reading

• Data backup and recovery software best practices: A tutorial

  Learn about data backup and recovery software best practices in our collection of tutorials. Learn EMC NetWorker, Symantec Veritas NetBackup and Backup Exec, IBM Tivoli Storage Manager, Linux, and open-source data backup best practices.  Continue Reading

• Tape backup for remote offices tutorial

  Backup is the largest problem for storage administrators today, and remote-office backup is especially challenging. Learn all about optimizing your tape strategy in this tutorial.  Continue Reading

• Data backup and recovery technology tutorials

  Learn about the latest data backup and recovery technology trends in our technology tutorials.  Continue Reading

• Data backup and recovery tutorial: Tape storage

  Learn about recent advancements in tape backup and recovery, how tape encryption impacts data backup and how to buy a tape library in this tape technology tutorial by backup guru W. Curtis Preston.  Continue Reading

• Cloud backup tutorial: How to leverage cloud backup services

  In this tutorial on cloud backup, you'll learn how cloud storage is changing data protection and disaster recovery and the cost differences of cloud backup vs. traditional backup.  Continue Reading

• Data deduplication tutorial

  This data deduplication tutorial offers advice on data dedupe products, inline vs. post-processing deduplication, VTLs and dedupe, and the latest news.  Continue Reading

• Disk-based data backup and recovery tutorial

  Will 2009 be the year you embrace disk-based backup and recovery? We have the latest disk-based backup and recovery advice, tips and news in this tutorial on disk-based backup.  Continue Reading

• Data backup security tutorial

  Data backups are an essential element of good storage security, but they're often the source of security woes. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to ensure your backups are secure.  Continue Reading

• A tutorial on remote data backup technology

  Remote backup is one of the hottest topics in data backup today. Learn about remote-office backup software, WAN optimization, data dedupe and online backup, and backup trends.  Continue Reading

• VMware backup tutorial

  Learn all about VMware backup with this collection of articles on VMware backup and restore, VMware Consolidated Backup, Virtual Desktop Infrastructure and more.  Continue Reading

• Data backup and recovery resources

  Data backup and recovery are ongoing areas of development. Stay ahead of the learning curve with help from this fast resource guide.  Continue Reading

• The move to LTO-4 is no stampede

  Over the last several years, successive generations of LTO technology have been embraced, each increasing density and read/write speeds as the underlying technologies improved. This article takes a look at the relatively slow adoption of LTO-4 tape ...  Continue Reading

• Comparing disk-based backup methods

  Incorporating disk into the data protection infrastructure has been a common way to address tape-based backup issues such as backup window, RPO, RTO and recovery reliability. In this tutorial, Eric Burgener compares various disk-based backup methods...  Continue Reading

• Backup software evolves to take on data management tasks

  In 2008, data backup software vendors are making moves to integrate a whole host of functionality into their products. This article examines backup software capabilities today and takes a look ahead to the future.  Continue Reading

• A step-by-step guide to implementing data deduplication

  The best way to select, implement and integrate data deduplication can vary depending on how the deduplication is performed. Learn some general principles that you can follow to select the right data deduplication approach and then integrate it into...  Continue Reading

• How to implement remote backups

  Remote backups offer the speed and integrity of disk-based backup, while providing physical safety in supporting facilities across town or across the continent. This section of our Backup Best Practices guide offers advice that can help avoid common...  Continue Reading

• How to implement virtual tape libraries

  This section of our Backup Best Practices guide offers a series of best practices that can help avoid common implementation mistakes and get the most from VTL technology.  Continue Reading

• Purchasing strategies for storage consolidation efforts

  Storage sprawl has become a problem for many organizations. Storage administrators are fighting back by consolidating storage hardware in order to simplify their storage environments. However, storage consolidation isn't simply a matter of buying ...  Continue Reading

• Storage consolidation: WAN acceleration and WAFS technology overview

  A key component of storage consolidation is the consolidation of remote office storage, which is where WAN acceleration and WAFS technology come into play.  Continue Reading

• How to purchase WAN and WAFS optimization products

  Instead of maintaining ad hoc IT infrastructures at each remote office, consolidation moves the IT resources back to a main data center, allowing centralized applications and data to be accessed remotely across a WAN link. WAFS is a key technology ...  Continue Reading

• Backup software product specifications

  Backup and replication software are powerful tools used to protect data against loss due to hardware failure, natural disasters, and other problems. Features like encryption, key management, compression, data de-duplication, WAN support and content ...  Continue Reading

• CDP platform specifications

  Continuous data protection (CDP) products track changes to files and data -- typically in real time -- recording activity and allowing recovery to an extremely granular level. This effectively reduces backup windows and restore points, allowing busy...  Continue Reading

• Backup software purchase considerations

  Backup software is a crucial part of the backup process, organizing and managing the flow of data from its source(s) to a suitable backup target. Today's backup software often includes compression and data deduplication features to shorten backup ...  Continue Reading

• Virtual tape library specifications

  View product specs of VTLs from Copan, EMC, FalconStor, HP, IBM, NetApp, Overland Storage, Quantum, Sepaton and Sun.  Continue Reading

• Enterprise-class disk array specifications

  The following product snapshots highlight key specifications for a cross-section of enterprise-class disk array systems.  Continue Reading

• Quick tutorial on evaluating CDP products

  Here are the factors storage administrators must be aware of in order to evaluate continuous data protection (CDP) products.  Continue Reading

• Tutorial on purchasing virtual tape libraries

  VTLs provide the benefits of disk storage in a system that emulates a tape library to existing backup software. If you're selecting a VTL, here is the criteria for evaluating VTLs, as well as a series of specifications to help you compare products ...  Continue Reading

• Enterprise-class disk array purchase considerations

  Techniques like disk-to-disk (D2D) snapshots and replication have emerged as important backup tactics, leveraging disk to shorten backup windows, reduce recovery point objectives (RPO) and speed recovery time objectives (RTO). However, selecting the...  Continue Reading

• Enterprise-class tape library purchase considerations

  Tape remains the quintessential backup technology for many organizations, offering relatively low media costs, broad backup software support, and convenient offsite storage potential for disaster protection. But picking the best tape library for ...  Continue Reading

• Enterprise-class tape library specifications

  The following product snapshots highlight key specifications for a cross-section of enterprise-class tape library systems with a minimum of 100 TB of compressed capacity, SAN connectivity, and room for at least 100 tape cartridges in a base ...  Continue Reading

• Quick tutorial for evaluating backup products

  This buying guide looks at the key factors involved in evaluating and selecting backup products.  Continue Reading

• Top tips to consider when purchasing hardware-based encryption

  Encryption appliances sit inline on a network and use specially designed electronics to encrypt data at line speeds, essentially eliminating the performance penalty imposed by encryption software running on a general server. While software-based ...  Continue Reading

• Purchasing backup software-based encryption

  Although there are advantages to encrypting data "at the tape," it can wreak substantial impact on your existing backup process. You will need to upgrade the tape drives themselves, update device drivers, change drive settings in your backup ...  Continue Reading

• Backup Guide Chapter 2: Tape (PDF)

  You asked for it, so here it is -- a printable version of our Backup All-In-One Guide.  Continue Reading

• Specifications for backup software-based encryption

  Integrated encryption into backup software offers many advantages, but hurts the performance of the backup server. This is why software-based encryption often requires a server upgrade (or at least creative backup planning), not to mention diligent ...  Continue Reading

• Tape encryption tool purchase considerations

  Storage administrators who use tape-based encryption won't slow up their backups and will have peace of mind knowing that the tape content is secure. But LTO-4 tape drives have specific encryption issues.  Continue Reading

• Tape encryption product specifications

  The product snapshots in this chapter highlight key specifications for a cross section of tape drives that incorporate encryption.  Continue Reading

• Reduce storage costs through data deduplication

  Data deduplication reduces the amount of data, thereby reducing storage costs. This article explores the different approaches to data deduplication.  Continue Reading

• Data retrieval strategies: Retrieving data from backups overview

  This overview outlines some of the most important issues involved in retrieving data from backups, such as setting RTO, reducing data, retrieval testing and data management.  Continue Reading

• Continuous data protection requires a clear purpose in the enterprise

  Snapshots and replication techniques go a long way toward safeguarding data, but continuous data protection (CDP) can preserve data when recovery point objectives (RPO) and recovery time objectives (RTO) are razor-thin -- and data loss simply isn't ...  Continue Reading

• Disk-to-disk vendors respond to user backup demands

  The sheer volume of corporate data is skyrocketing, often resulting in unacceptably long backup and restore windows. The value of data is also increasing as more work is performed electronically, and the financial/legal penalties for lost data ...  Continue Reading