Backup
Backup is a redundant copy of files, usually stored separately from the original system
It can be used to recover data in the event of catastrophic failure of the original storage media
Generations of files
A (three) generation file backup system involves storage of several (three) of the most recent versions of a master file (Accept grandfather-father-son method)
Useful if one version is corrupted: the previous version(s) is still available
Transaction logs
A transaction log is used with on-line updating - stores all the update data
It can be used in case of failure - could restore data by being combined with previous master/backup file, with minimal data loss.
e.g. a large organisation wishes to back up the data stored on its network on a daily basis. Suitable back up procedures that the organisation could use are outlined below.
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
A comparison of different types of secondary storage devices on which data can be stored can be viewed on the Secondary Storage Devices page.
Our school uses a company and software from Veeam for backup. Depending on the server it is either backed up every night or every Saturday. Components such as the the file servers would be every night but other areas such as the school intranet site and room booking data etc would be every Saturday. We save 14 restore points on each. Once veeam backs it up to the backup server in d block it also gets uploaded to cloud storage which should hold an extra 14 days.
For further information on Veeam, please look at https://www.veeam.com
Twice a year the most recent backup is transferred to an external hdd so that will probably hold a year and half. SIMS which stores pupils and staff data is backed up by ESS (Education Software Solutions) every night. (Nov, 2023)
SIMS (School Information Management System ) is a student information system, i.e. a school management information system, currently developed by Education Software Solutions. It is the most widely used MIS in UK schools, claiming over 80% market share across the primary and secondary sectors.
For further information on SIMS please look at the following website https://www.ess-sims.co.uk)