Managing backups and data recovery is complex no matter
what environment you work in. There are both short and long-term strategies you
need to deploy, as well onsite and offsite backups. Recent technology changes
have improved and changed how we handle onsite backups. However, these onsite
solutions do not necessarily support long-term backup requirements.
Your Long-term backup and data recovery requirements most
likely are different then your short-term storage requirements. You might have
HIPPA requirements, data retention policies, encryption and offsite storage
logistics to name a few of the things you need to deal with when considering
long-term storage. You do not want to save any more data then you absolutely
need to keep your total cost of ownership for your backup architecture to a
minimum. Whatever solution you design you need to make sure you also simplify
the management aspects of your solution.
In this white paper, five key considerations for long-term
storage are discussed. These different considerations will provide you with
some context of the things you need to think about when deciding on a long-term
backup and data recovery strategy. By understanding as many issues as possible,
you have a better chance of designing a workable, cost effective solution.
