How Our Solution Works: Backup
The technology of our disk-based, Network Attached Storage device (NAS) performs at the block level where the actual digital 1s and 0s are captured from the hard drive, essentially eliminating failures related to open files. Because block-level data is raw information that’s independent of file structure formatting, it’s the most efficient way to write to a disk.
Because a snapshot of the entire partition is taken at the block level on the hard drive, there are no file or folder-level exclusions. This allows for recovery of any and all data, from specific emails to system folders, in a matter of minutes.
Database applications such as Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft Exchange Server transfer data in blocks without having to worry if files are open or if they are in use.
The NAS device can be configured to backup multiple Windows 2000 and Windows 2003 servers by partition or by logical drives.
How the Backup Works
1. The first backup taken of a server is the base image – an exact copy of the currently used space on the server. The base image is taken for each volume (or partition) on the server. Once the base image is set, all future backups are incrementals.
2. Incrementals take place at the frequency that you schedule. If you select 24/7 backups at 15 minute incrementals 96 incremental files will be created each day. If you selected one-hour incrementals, 24 incremental files will be created each day.
3. We then enlist Incremental Forever Methodology to make the backup process as efficient as possible. Incremental Forever Methodology differs from regular incrementals in that only one full backup or base image is required. This greatly reduces the time it takes to perform subsequent backups as each incremental takes only seconds to complete.
4. Incremental files are collapsed into synthetic incrementals (basically one larger incremental file). This is done to ensure chain integrity and to speed up restorations. The fewer hops from the current point-in-time back to the base image, the faster your restoration will be.
Remote or Off-site Backup Overview:
For additional protection in the event of a complete disaster, data is securely transferred to an off-site co-location facility on a daily basis. Then, in event of such an occurrence, you will receive a new NAS device imaged with your latest data. The storage facilities are two high-availability data centers -one on each coast. They provide:
- Backup images stored at the data centers on a Storage Area Network (SAN) at the primary facility, then replicated to the secondary facility
- Connectivity provided by multiple providers with automatic failover capabilities
- Facilities provide two fiber optic network drops for our backbone
- Full physical security at each facility including security cameras and key card access
- Network is secured with high-end redundant, automatic failover firewalls
- Fire suppression and environmental control provided
- Automatic back-up power provided with on-site generators