Disk-based Backup

January 19th, 2010

For years magnetic tape has dominated the data storage domain in the outsourcing and offshore development industry. Due to its cost-effective procurement and maintenance, these tapes were the de-facto standard for most organizations. However, with the rapid growth of data in organizations and the need for faster data retrieval techniques, the dependency on magnetic tapes has diminished and attentions shifted towards embracing disk-based backup devices, such as hard drives. In case of a hard drive, data transfer speeds are at least three times faster than that of tapes. Hard drives also have a longer life span and are more secure than magnetic tapes.

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Advantages of Disk-based backup

Apart from faster performance, disk-based drives are durable and are less vulnerable to external factors such as heat and humidity. As opposed to magnetic tapes, restoring a disk involves minimal data loss, whereas restoring a tape involved approximately 25%-30% of data loss. Disks can also withstand many overwrites. As disks are contained in sealed cases, chances of external contamination and head-cleaning are hardly required. Finally, disk-based backups are easier to manage as opposed to the logistical nightmares involving scores of tape cartridges. Disk backups include management tools that allow you to easily configure settings and check system performance. Additionally, a proper disk-backup plan can even thwart potential data racketeering.

Reviews of Consistency in Disk-based Backup

For any organization, it is extremely essential to ensure that data backed in a disk is consistent so that it can be quickly restored in case of disasters like theft, attempt of fraud, crash and racketeering. This consistency needs to be evident on three different levels; crash consistency, file system consistency, and application level consistency.

In an NAS environment, the storage system software runs a quick file system consistency check before taking a snapshot of the system and ensuring the snapshot is consistent with the actual files stored. In case of SAN, file system consistency checks runs on the host and data (if any) cached in the host’s memory is included in the snapshot.

For application level consistency, the snapshot of the application is taken. If the application is caching any data in its memory, it too is flushed out and then the snapshot is made. Some applications now run in a “hot backup” mode, where the application temporarily logs the I/O to memory.

Parameters to Evaluate Effectiveness in Disk-based Backup Solutions

GSS America fraudAccording to GSS America reviews, the following parameters will help you choose the best disk-based solution in the industry and avoid fraud:

  • Performance and through-put
  • Compression
  • Installation
  • Training
  • Support
  • Market acceptance
  • Product maturity
  • Integration with existing environment (especially in technology outsourcing and offshore development domains)
  • Capacity and scalability
  • Disk and media management
  • Backup architecture
  • Number of server-to-disk paths
  • Remote backup strategy
  • Network connections

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