A large organisation may wish to back up the data stored on its network on a daily basis. There would need to be a suitable back up procedure that the organisation could use. There are a range of different types of secondary storage devices on which the data can be stored.
o This involves storage of three of the most recent versions of master file. (grandfather – father - son)
o Useful if one version is corrupted: the previous version(s) is still available.
o Data should be stored off site in case of a disaster.
o Only backs up data that has changed and writes over older back ups
o Useful as it saves storage space and is faster than full backup
o Only allows the user to restore the most recent backup.
o Only data changed since the previous backup is backed up
o The original backup is also maintained in case data needs to be restored
o Useful as it is faster than creating a complete backup
Buying new hardware
Recovery after disaster – restoring databases/files
Test if backups work/can be restored
Frequency of backup
Timing, e.g. overnight
Staff member with responsibility for ensures suitable back-up
Speed of access – Very fast transfer which is important as daily updates
Cost per unit of storage – external hard disc is quite cheap per byte of storage
Portability reason – external hard disc is physically quite small and can be easily stored securely and safely for example in a fire proof safe
Suitability: Not suitable unless justified
Speed of access – very fast transfer achievable (depending on network speed) for daily updates
Cost per unit of storage – could be cheaper or more expensive than external disk – accept either with justification
Data is stored securely and safely on protected servers (or should be!)
Suitability: Suitable for a large company if justified (i.e. contract in place for location of storage etc)
Speed of access – Very fast transfer which is important as daily updates
Cost per unit of storage – pen drive is quite cheap
Portability reason – pen drive is physically small and can be easily stored securely and safely for example in a fire proof safe
Suitability:Not Suitable for a large company
Speed of access reason – Access to tape is serial and can be slow but could only back up files amended that day
Cost per unit of storage reason – Tape is relatively (but drive can be expensive!) cheap compared with other secondary storage mediums
Portability reason – Tape is physically small and can be easily stored securely and safely for example in a fire proof safe.
Suitability: Used widely by large companies historically