There are a number of ways to backup your data, and don't over look the importance of redundancy. You may consider it overkill, but think about the ramifications of losing all of your company's vital information: lost financial and client records, legal implications and possibly business failure.

Tapes: Tapes (or other re-writable media) are cost effective. Be certain you've got several sets. There's no point in backing up today's files over yesterday's, or you'll be restoring exactly the same problems. Ideally, have two weeks' worth of tapes.

Online: There are many web-based backup services including Carbonite®, Mozy® and Dropbox®. I personally use Carbonite® for the online backup of my notebook. It's inexpensive and easy. I also use Dropbox® to sync files between my notebook, desktop and phone.

External Hard Drives: Using external hard drives is another option. I've been very pleased with the ones from Western Digital. (http://westerndigital.com/en/products/index.asp?cat=5) My current one is extremely large (3 TB) and fast with USB 3.0

Server Image: Your server image file will include all of your system's information including the operating system, programs and updates, patches, settings and configurations. Restoring an image of your entire drive is the fastest way to become operational again after a failure. It's a far better choice than reinstalling everything from scratch which is costly in both dollars and downtime. This should be done every time you change the configuration of your operating system or installed applications (including service packs and hot fixes). Unless it's scheduled, it's not being done automatically, and it can be done overnight to minimize interruption.

Backup Storage

Properly storing your backups is as important as testing your restorations. At the very least, take your backups home with you each night. Off-site storage is critical. Some companies have duplicate backups. One stays on premises for easy access for restoration in case of a localized problem (a hard drive failure) and the other is stored offsite in case of a catastrophic problem (the building burns down).

Several companies are available to pickup your backups daily and take them to a secure, off-site location. These companies will return a specific tape upon request.

Caution: Remember that whoever has your backups also has all of your data, some of which is probably very confidential. Backups must be secured! How easy would it be for someone to pick up one tape and have every piece of sensitive data for your company? You data may even include credit card numbers. The liability could be huge. Remember: security first when selecting backup storage.

In your company, someone's most important job of the day must be to confirm that the previous night's backups were completed and securely stored.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/project-management-articles/best-ways-to-back-up-your-files-2791627.html

About the Author

Richard Allen is one of the co-founders of Smith & Allen Consulting, Inc., a firm specializing in analytics and ERP software. Having been a business management software consultant for over twenty years, he has an in-depth knowledge of Dynamics GP and related products. Most importantly, Richard understands best practices and has worked with accounting departments in several industries to implement them. It's this broader knowledge he shares in his articles.

There are a number of ways to backup your data, and don't over look the importance of redundancy. You may consider it overkill, but think about the ramifications of losing all of your company's vital information: lost financial and client records, legal implications and possibly business failure.

Tapes: Tapes (or other re-writable media) are cost effective. Be certain you've got several sets. There's no point in backing up today's files over yesterday's, or you'll be restoring exactly the same problems. Ideally, have two weeks' worth of tapes.

Online: There are many web-based backup services including Carbonite®, Mozy® and Dropbox®. I personally use Carbonite® for the online backup of my notebook. It's inexpensive and easy. I also use Dropbox® to sync files between my notebook, desktop and phone.

External Hard Drives: Using external hard drives is another option. I've been very pleased with the ones from Western Digital. (http://westerndigital.com/en/products/index.asp?cat=5) My current one is extremely large (3 TB) and fast with USB 3.0

Server Image: Your server image file will include all of your system's information including the operating system, programs and updates, patches, settings and configurations. Restoring an image of your entire drive is the fastest way to become operational again after a failure. It's a far better choice than reinstalling everything from scratch which is costly in both dollars and downtime. This should be done every time you change the configuration of your operating system or installed applications (including service packs and hot fixes). Unless it's scheduled, it's not being done automatically, and it can be done overnight to minimize interruption.

Backup Storage

Properly storing your backups is as important as testing your restorations. At the very least, take your backups home with you each night. Off-site storage is critical. Some companies have duplicate backups. One stays on premises for easy access for restoration in case of a localized problem (a hard drive failure) and the other is stored offsite in case of a catastrophic problem (the building burns down).

Several companies are available to pickup your backups daily and take them to a secure, off-site location. These companies will return a specific tape upon request.

Caution: Remember that whoever has your backups also has all of your data, some of which is probably very confidential. Backups must be secured! How easy would it be for someone to pick up one tape and have every piece of sensitive data for your company? You data may even include credit card numbers. The liability could be huge. Remember: security first when selecting backup storage.

In your company, someone's most important job of the day must be to confirm that the previous night's backups were completed and securely stored.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/project-management-articles/best-ways-to-back-up-your-files-2791627.html

About the Author

Richard Allen is one of the co-founders of Smith & Allen Consulting, Inc., a firm specializing in analytics and ERP software. Having been a business management software consultant for over twenty years, he has an in-depth knowledge of Dynamics GP and related products. Most importantly, Richard understands best practices and has worked with accounting departments in several industries to implement them. It's this broader knowledge he shares in his articles.