Choosing an appropriate backup tool is quite a challenge. Several factors need consideration, including financial aspects, and it’s crucial to remember that this is a strategic component for any company.
Unfortunately, all backup systems require at least some maintenance. A proficient system administrator knows that backups need not only to be well-configured but also regularly validated.
You will have to spend some time on backups, even with an out-of-the-box solution. However, it’s up to you to decide on the frequency and duration of backup operations. You set up a backup schedule according to which backups are systematically created and deleted. You can always modify the plan by updating backup rules or adding new disks.
Manual Backups
The systems administrator copies important data, sends it to object or file storage, and uploads it to a separate server or any external infrastructure.
The unique aspect of manual backup is that the systems administrator must repeat the same procedure each time. To avoid overspending on resources, it’s necessary to periodically clean up the storage and monitor the number of versions kept.
For manual backups, you can use snapshots and images available in Servercore cloud. A snapshot captures the disk’s state at a specific moment of time. It’s free and stored alongside the disk, reducing security but enabling to quickly revert to the snapshot. Using images requires payment because it is stored separately. Detailed instructions on creating or downloading an image are available in the knowledge base.
Suitable For
Manual backups are typically adopted by small companies managed by a single person who needs to back up several data sets. Cost-effectiveness often becomes a decisive factor; non-critical system copies could even be stored on services like Google Drive. Another common reason is that there is no need to hire a specialist to configure automatic backups.
Such backups could be used by a small firm or an IT consulting entrepreneur. Their resources enable the to customize the backup mechanism. Manual backup allows for quick and easy copying, but you bear full responsibility – if you forget to make a copy or it fails to be created, no software will compensate for that oversight.
Backup with Custom Automation
There are scripts and utilities that automate backups. They minimize the need to involve a specialist: just some time investment to set up the required automation logic. Setup can take a day or a week – depending on the workload. Afterwards, backups will be performed and stored automatically without intervention.
The limits of automation are shaped by the expertise and creativity of the specialist, as well as the adaptability of the selected infrastructure location (for instance, it’s essential that the provider offers API access).
Suitable For
Any company whose specialists have the skills to set up and maintain the necessary automation. It’s crucial to promptly identify and rectify any script issues, in case it malfunctions or fails.
Customers favor it because it also allows for easy automation of consistency checks. By regularly restoring from backups, the administrator safeguards the company against data access issues during critical moments.
Self-automation is favored by companies seeking a more customized solution without depending on a vendor. Large companies often combine their own automated solutions with out-of-the-box solutions to enhance security or meet specific needs.
Backup Using an Out-Of-The-Box Solutions
Scheduled backups enable automatic disk backup configuration. This is the simplest method for setting up backups, suitable for both corporate and enterprise environments.
Out-of-the-box backup systems are installed like typical software, with detailed implementation instructions provided in the documentation. Consult your IT infrastructure provider partner for available options.
Besides their own solutions, major cloud providers also offer software from well-known partner vendors. The major benefit here, besides quick setup, is the convenience of one-stop-shop payment.
Suitable For
Companies ready to outsource their backup tasks. This option spares you from worrying about the infrastructure needed to store backups.
Administrators of file storage systems often turn to ready-made solutions in Servercore for their high reliability. For instance, a company with a modest budget that stores CRM data in the cloud. The company opts for scheduled backups due to their ease of setup, triple replication, and rapid plan generation. To configure backups, simply select the disk from which backups will be made and configure the schedule.
Consider free open-source solutions as an alternative. However, they are significantly limited in functionality and may cause concerns regarding information security.
