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Controlling cost is a huge concern in backup environments, and media is one area that's of particular concern. This chart helps gauge efficient usage of tape media. Source: GlassHouse Technologies |
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In our backup practice, it isn't uncommon to hear of failed recovery attempts of critical data. The problems can range from low-level technical glitches to serious omissions and operational breakdowns that lead to nightmare scenarios. However, the conversation ultimately concludes with the same plea for help: "How can I have confidence that I can recover my data?"
The first step is to have detailed backup metrics and reporting about the data. Too often, backups lack one of the fundamental elements of any quality control process--feedback. If you have clearly defined policies for data management, how do you know those policies are being carried out? If you have established SLAs with users, how do you or your users know if these SLAs are being met? How do you know that your backup infrastructure can support foreseen (and unforeseen) growth? Where exactly is your data? Is it safe? Can it be recovered? When the CIO asks you to guarantee the recoverability of critical corporate data, can you make that promise--without blinking?
This was first published in September 2003
Storage Management Strategies for the CIO

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