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Our standard backup procedure has been to backup everything at least one time per day.  This is usually invoked "after hours" and completed when most databases are dormant.  We have suggested that a pool of backup media be used and rotated on a consistent basis and that some of the backup media be moved off-site for added protection. 

This has been an accepted set of procedures for a very long time and has served you (and us) well over the years.  But with the proliferation of databases, data storage devices having larger capacities and because the world is a different place today, we are suggesting more processes need to be analyzed and defined in terms of Backups.  We think it is imperative that a sound backup strategy be put into place to protect your business data.

The business requirement pertaining to backup issues are approached differently based on your storage capabilities such as: 

1.      No network - stand-alone application server

2.      Peer-to-peer network

3.      Server based network

4.      Both stand-alone application server and network (server or peer-to-peer).   

With this in mind, I am suggesting we meet to review your information infrastructure.

• What data is irreplaceable?                    

• What data can be easily reconstructed?

• How long would it take to reconstruct data?

• What persons are required to reconstruct data?

• How do I contact required people?

• Location of the data?

Next, define your backup methods and media 

• Tape Drives

• CD-ROM

• Network Drives

• Backup Servers

• Backup Software

Assemble a backup schedule

• Define the timing and methods for all backups

• Which media remains "on-site"?

• Which media is moved "off-site" and person(s) responsible?

• Define when media is retired and rotated out

Review backup logs DAILY 

• Ensure completeness

• Ensure data (and media) integrity

Create a Recovery Plan

•  Test the backup process - simply put, restore the data - make sure the results are desirable.

• Create a contact list of people necessary for data recovery

• Create a Hardware and Software Inventory

• Server operating systems

• Client operating systems

• Server software (Email, databases, web applications)

• Client software (MS Office, Outlook, Specialized Applications)

• Computer hardware configurations

• Network diagrams

• Computer and Network device configuration documentation