What is Data Recovery

I have been discussing in my previous posts related to Data Backups. I shall be throwing some light on Data Recovery which is the reason we do should be doing Data Backups. Data Backup should actually be called recovery solutions because backups come to rescue when disaster strikes.

In the most simplest terms, “Data Recovery” can be described as process of recovering data from a hard disk drive, CD-Drive, USB sticks, external disks or any other media where the respective has failed.

There are many ways data can be stored:

§  Hard disk Drives

§  CDs or DVDs

§  External Disks

§  USB sticks

§  RAID Servers

No matter how reliable these products may be but any electronic device can fail to function. Over and above, there are other reasons for loss or inaccessibility to data. To name a few:

§  Accidental deletion of data

§  Mishandling of devices

§  Forgot passwords

§  Natural disasters like floods, fire

§  Formatting a disk

When data cannot be restored through any normal process, then comes “Data Recovery” process. Data recovery is the process to access safe, reliable data from that device.

The Data Recovery Process

Data Recovery can be simple in many cases and can be complex in certain cases. However any data recovery requires following general steps:

1.    Identity the media and find out the amount of damage. Many data recovery solutions companies can analyze and let you know if they can recover data. If the media is intact but maybe you have forgotten password for the device [like on a USB stick] you can try to recover using 3^rd party software’s.

2.    Estimate how much work shall be involved, how much data can be recovered and what cost shall be involved. Data Recovery companies might give you a flat-rate, but try to go in more detail. Does the data recovered is important or your vital data is still unavailable.

3.    Analyze the recovered data to be sure the data is useable and matches your records. Make more than one copy of recovered data.

4.    Return: Always get your damaged media back. No matter what state it is.

5.   Check the reason what caused the media to be damaged. Repair any electrical or mechanical reason e.g. power supply for hard disk failure.

I have come across many SMBs who want to implement backup system but unfortunately it is on a low priority, whereas it should be the other way. Only they take it seriously when disaster strikes and they need to run all around to get data recovered from nowhere

I shall be giving an example of one of my clients, which was a pharmaceutical company. Pretty healthy profit making company. One fine day, their Server Hard disk drive crashed. Unfortunately, the backup system in place was manual system and some one had done backup about 2 weeks back. They were in a situation where in from no where they had to recover data from that hard disk. They had contacted number of consultants, paid huge amount of money but had no go. Ultimately they send their hard disk overseas, where one company stated data can be recovered, it took 2 weeks of time and ofcourse price was huge, but with no option they had to agree to that. Their data was recovered but had to go thru lots of hassle.

I bet you backup solution if implemented would have been much cheaper solution and the amount of time in terms of value is unmeasurable.

To summarize, if backup has been done and that too on regular basis, you are guaranteed to recover your data.

What are Synthetic Backups?

A synthetic backup is identical to a regular full backup in terms of data, but it is created when data is collected from a previous, older full backup and assembled with subsequent incremental backups. The incremental backup will consist only of changed information.

Let’s take an example to understand:

Full Backup	1st December	1024 MB
Incremental Backup	5th December	200 MB
Incremental Backup	9th December	300 MB

A synthetic backup is needed if the backed up file needs copying as a single backup entity, or if it needs restoring. The contents of a synthetic backup differ depending upon the date chosen.

In our example two synthetic backups could be produced: one for 5^th December; and one for 9^th December. The data they contain would be different; the 5^th December synthetic backup would not contain any changes to the file subsequent to that, whereas the 9^th December synthetic backup would.

Information to know regarding Synthetic Backup

1.     It helps reduce the resources needed to backup. A full backup will require a set of server cpu cycles, some network bandwidth and backup media space. Each time you do a full backup you would need the same level of these three resources. By running an incremental backup you need only a fraction of the server CPU cycles, network bandwidth and additional backup media space. That reduces the backup window, the time needed to run the backup, considerably

2.     Incremental Backups increases the time needed for a restore because now a restore would need to return to the user the original backup file and all subsequent incremental backup files, and then the restored file needs re-building to merge in each incremental backup file's data. It takes more time, uses more server cycles and network bandwidth.

3.     By consolidating the original backup file and incremental backup files into a single Synthetic Backup the restore speed is faster because just one file now needs streaming to the user. Also the server CPU cycles needed for the restore are cut back.

4.     Synthetic full backups are media-based; they read backup data from one media and simultaneously write (restore) the result to the new active media within the same media group. As a result, synthetic full backups require that at least two media drives for the same storage policy be available at the time the job is started.

5. Synthetic full backups consolidate data; they do not back up data from the client computer. You should therefore use synthetic full backups in addition to and not in place of any regularly scheduled incremental or differential backup jobs.

 

What is BareMetal Data Protection

I am writing this blog, as I would like to share with you all regarding Bare Metal data protection. Anyone who has lost system disk on a server, workstation or laptop has gone thru pain, trouble and frustration of restoring the computer to its original state. While it is necessary to recover lost files and data, the process to installing operating systems, re-downloading or installing all the applications, locating and entering their licenses keys or authorization codes can be time consuming. It invariably happens that it is impossible to bring back computer to its original state, where in you might have misplaced license keys or authorization codes for operating system or for any important software of yours. To overcome this trouble there are software products available which offer Bare Metal Data Protection.

BareMetal is a technology through which you can restore an entire system from backups to new hardware without requiring a reinstall of the operating system or requiring initialized disks. This technology is designed to dramatically decrease the time and effort required to restore a computer to its original state in the event of a system failure.  BareMetal protects not only the typical files and data of the user but also the operating system and applications. 

The following shall give better understanding between the two:

Data recovery to a new computer in a TYPICAL recovery environment

Step1: Get new computer or fix existing computer

Step2: Install or reinstall operating system

Step3: Install hardware Drivers

Step4: Install Operating System Updates

Step5: Reinstall Software Applications

Step6: Setup Operating system and applications

Step7: Restore backed up data

Step8: Computer Ready to Use

Data recovery to a new computer using BAREMETAL

Step1:  Get new computer or fix existing computer

Step2: Boot thru Bare metal media   

Step3: Restore Operating System, applications and data from previous operation

Graphical Understanding of the same can be accessed here

http://www.slideshare.net/harshyamoza/bare-metal

11 Most Common Reasons why people don't do Backup

My this November post is to highlight reasons people do not take backup. I thought of writing this post , as when I am with my clients for Software Implementation, I normally tend to discuss with them regarding their backup policy. Priority of the backup is low till the time there is a data loss disaster, and the moment it happens the best of the system is implemented, thereafter. Although, everyone wishes to take backup and understands the importance of the same, I would like to share most often excuses for not taking backup.

Think about backup as something like this, imagine you have 500 people working in a office building, there is a backup plan implemented for power failure but it is not used everyday, but the day on which there is a power failure it comes to rescue. Data backup is about protecting your data's future.

Reason #1

I am too busy to backup my computer, everyday. Once a month is good.

Imagine, you have backed up your data at the end of month, if the computer crashes during the month, you shall lose your valuable data. It’s recommended to do backups regularly. Automatic backups shall resolve your issue as system shall do auto backups when it finds internet connection.

Reason #2

We save our data to central dedicated high configuration server

No matter what configuration servers you store your data, backups are must. Backups are a second copy of the data, not the original data. In case, if your server goes down or are unable to access the same, backups can get you up and working on another system within no time.

Reason #3

My computer shall not crash

I have been using computer since long and I had no problems, why worry about backup. In today’s tech world, your computer might get infected through viruses or spyware which can crash your computer.

Reason #4

I don't know how to backup data

To start off, first identify what is the most vital information that you would like to backup. There are various options for backup like you can start on CD-DVD / external hard drives / Zip drives / Online Backups.

Reason #5

I run a small business, I don't have a lot of data. Backup is only for big companies.

Imagine, how it would feel if you have lost all your data one fine day. I bet that your database is many times more valuable than the cost of backing up your data, no matter what size of your business is.

Reason #6

Everything’s in my head, if I lose data not to worry

I know my data and I can remember all my clients money I have to receive and make payments. Data is not only about paying and receiving money. It covers all your important information like contacts, emails, agreements, legal papers and others.

Reason #7

I work on laptop and carry laptop with me all day and night.

Your laptop is at most risk of data loss than your desktop computer. Laptops are most vulnerable to be stolen from your office, from airport, your car or any other location. If you have your data in laptop that is not backup, you are carry your only data.

Reason #8

I got a brand new computer, I don’t worry about backing up

It’s impossible to predict when your computer shall crash. Even if you have new hard drive that does not mean it shall not fail, this is just another excuse not to take backup.

Reason #9

My assistant does backup of data, except the days he / she is not there.

If your assistant is on vacation for 2 weeks and it can most likely happen you might have a crash of computer during that time. You should have an automatic backup which does not require any manual intervention.

Reason #10

All I need is my accounting data backup and that is done by my accountant once a year.

Taking accounting backup once a year is risky. If data loss occurs during the year means you have lost all the valuable records of your business which can throw you out of business within no time. If you consider the value of disaster that shall be heavy price to pay.

Reason #11

I don’t have staff to do backup

I run my business by myself. I don’t have time to do backup. It can certainly happen that taking backup can be time consuming but in that case you should use continuous online backups, which shall make sure you do not miss backing up data.

Bottom line is, when you work so hard in business, why not to take care of your data by implementing a successful backup system. Calculate yourself, how much data you need to backup and what cost shall be to do backup.

Committing yourself to do daily backups for your business shall help you during the time of disaster.

3 types of Cloud Computing

I shall be discussing today more details related to Cloud computing. I had mentioned basic information related to Cloud Computing in my previous post which were “What is Cloud computing and How it Works” and “ 6 Benefits of Cloud Computing”.

In this post I shall be focussing on types of cloud computing

There are 3 types of cloud computing

1.     Infrastructure as a Service [Iaas]

Cloud computing infrastructure services delivers computer infrastructure as a service. Rather than purchasing servers, software, data storage centers or any network infrastructure , customers can buy those service from providers.

Examples for this service can Amazon’s Elastic Compute Cloud [EC2], IBM and other traditional IT vendors.

2.     Platform as a Service [Paas]

Platform as a Service provides virtualized servers on which existing applications can be run by users without having to worry about maintaining servers, operating systems, hardware, load balancing. It facilitates deployment of applications without the cost and complexity of buying and managing the underlying hardware and software layers. Examples can be Microsoft's Azure and Salesforce’s Force.com

3.     Software as a Service [Saas]

The most widely known and used form of cloud computing. Rather than purchasing servers, software, data-center space or network equipment, clients instead buy those resources as a fully outsourced service. Suppliers typically bill such services on a utility computing basis; the amount of resources consumed. Software as a Service provides all facility of traditional computing except instead of installing them locally, all the applications are accessed thru web browser. Examples can be Salesforce.com, Google's Gmail and Apps.

Backup Solutions for SMBs - Part Two

I shall be continuing my post from previous one discussing “Backup Solutions for SMBs – Part One”

4.     Tape Backups

Tape backup is a form of data storage that is used to create a copy of the data stored in a system at a specific point in time, so that, in the event of a hard disk crash or comparable failure, the data will not be lost. The data are copied onto a magnetic tape, and can be permanently archived for future reference.

Pros

§  Reliability. Considering the structure of the tape media, the heads in the

  tape media are separated from the media. Hence even if the head of the

  tape fails; then also the media is still in the working condition.

§  Offsite Storage Available. The second major advantage that is in

  existence along with the usage of the tape drive is that the tapes are

  usually stored as the offline. If there any natural disaster you always

  have option available to restore as tapes are stored offsite.

§  Ease of Use. You can find support for tapes, with some good software’s

  available that make restore of data easy

Cons

§  Costly. Although, once tape backups were the most economical backups

  but now with hard disk prices dropping or online backup becoming cheaper,

  this media now turns to be more expensive.

§  Unsecured Storage. Tapes are bound to be stolen. Not like online backup

  where the data is stored in at a secured server. You must find the same

  tape drive to read tapes in the event of system loss (theft/fire).

§  Difficult Restores. The access time is more in case of the tape drives

  than in comparison with the other media storage devices. Tapes are

  sequential-access devices, and are best suited for full-system restores.

  Finding and restoring individual documents can be a long, slow, and

  cumbersome process.

5.     Blu-ray / DVD Backups

Blu-ray discs are the most advanced optical media used today. Blu-rays are created through the use of a short wavelength laser and may consist of up to 16 layers containing 25 GB each. Since each such layer is six times more capacious than layers used in DVDs, Blu-rays appear to be perfect media to store data on.

Pros

§  Storage Capacity. Compared to DVD / CD, blu-ray have a much larger

   capacity to store data.

§  Easily Mobile. It is also safer to store and to transport, as data backup

   on a Blu-Ray is less subject to damage than one on a pack of CD or

   DVD disks.

Cons

§  Manual Backups. Backups have to be done manually, which defeats the

   purpose of backup. If you forget to take backups regularly, it’s as good as

   no backup.

§  Security. Anyone can walk away with disks. Valuable information if stored

   can be lost.

§  Offsite storage.  No offsite automatic data storage. Storage of backups to

   a secure offsite location is a critical part of backup strategy.

Backup Solutions for SMBs - Part One

I would like to discuss today about Backup options for SMBs [Small and Medium businesses]. As from my experience with my customers sometimes it becomes cumbersome to decide on backup system. One of the reason, could be not aware of all pros and cons of a backup system to be implemented.

This article shall discuss regarding those issues

First things first, every business need to take backup regularly. Research shows failing to do backup can lead many companies going out of business within less than 12 months. It may happen that you may not be able to back up the entire contents of all the desktops, laptops or Servers in your business, in such a situation you shall have to prioritize. It’s important to backup data rather than software’s.

Let’s summarize some of the backup options.

1.     Online Backup

What is Online Backup? A backup technology that can be setup to automatically backup files from your computer to remote data servers using internet. You can access these files remotely.

Pros

§  Automatic Backup. Setup once and your backup shall always be taken.

   More reliability than manual backups.

§  Secured Storage. All data is stored using best encryption technologies

   available which prevents from data been vandalized.

§  Remote data access. Get the flexibility of accessing your data from

   anywhere.

§  No capital investment. You do not need to invest in purchasing high

   end infrastructure and save on office space.

§  Cost. Costs are low. You can start from as low as $2/GB.

            Cons

§  Your computer system may slow down during backup. This should not

   be problem as most of the businesses have robust systems.

§  You should properly analyze where your data shall be stored. As

   generally your data should be stored in a safe and secure data center

   location.

§  The company can go out of business. You should have clear information

  what shall happen if company goes out of business.

2.     NAS Devices

Network Attached Storage [NAS] devices provide fast, simple and reliable data access. NAS devices can be used for multi-purposes like sharing data, storing and access files on network or for backup.

Pros

§  Automatic Backup. You can set all desktop computers and servers to

   do backup automatically. It takes out the hassle to do manual backups.

§  Easy to Deploy. You can configure a NAS device quickly with little IT

   knowledge.

§  Availability. Data available even during network outages as NAS devices

   run independently of network servers.

Cons

§  Not Offsite is not alright. Data gets stored in NAS device, which is a

  server kind of computer. Data is not stored offsite. If you want to

  you need to get connected to additional offsite server.

§ Slower Transfer speed. If you have multiple computers backing up to

  NAS device, transfer speed can be slow, which in turn can slow down

  your computer.

§  Cost. NAS devices generally start for $200-$300 with low capacity but

  if you are looking for a good one for your business it can be about $900

  or more.

3.     External USB Hard Drive Backups

An external USB hard drive provides easy to manage backup solution that caters from small to medium businesses. If you already possess a unused hard disk you can simply purchase an external USB drive enclosure to start using as a backup disk.

Pros

§  Portable. External USB drives are compact to carry and can be

  connected to any computer to do backup. Once backed up

  you can store the disk in an external location to safeguard from

  natural disasters like theft, fire.

§ Connectivity. USB drives are available on every computer having

  multiple ports. You can connect and disconnect USB hard drives

  without having to restart computer – when connected it is

  automatically detected by operating system as a drive letter and

  ready to use.

§  Easy to Manage. Compared to tapes, USB drives are easy to

   manage.

Cons

§ No Remote Access of data. Cannot access data remotely,

  you have to carry hard disk with you. Inconvenient for someone

  who requires data frequently.

§ Storage Size. Limited storage size. Compared to tape, external

  USB drives are limited in space.

§ Manual Backups. No automatic backup, you have to connect

  device to each desktop to do backups. Imagine you have 50

  pc’s to backup. Purpose of backup gets defeated due to manual

  backup.

§ Unsecured Storage. As data is stored on a hard disk, anyone

  can take the hard disk and walk away. Biggest risk of security.

I shall be discussing further regarding Tape Backups and Blu-ray Backups in my continuing next blog.