Backup of critical data is a task whose importance is often not appreciated until data loss has been experienced. Fortunately, a wide range of solutions on the market today make this job as painless as possible.
But backup needs are a personal affair, with future requirements dependent upon the unique environment. When it comes time for budget planning, you’re going to need concrete numbers. You will want to allow for data growth, enough bandwidth to get the job done quickly, replacement of aging equipment, and more.
IT administrator must be both versed in many areas – and also surround themselves with experts in various fields. We're only as good as the team we are part of.
Software isn't enough. Every organization's backup solution must include:
To visualize how much storage you'll need in the coming years, you must know how much data resides on each server, how much it is changing, and how much is being added monthly.
Example: Requirements of 3 Servers with 20GB backup data each,
and 200MB of new data per week
How long will my backup take? It's tough to estimate. But based on the average speeds of devices such as USB drives, Tape drives, GBIT Networks, and bandwidth to the cloud, you can get a rough idea of what to expect.
Will your data growth allow you to continue using the same storage solution, or will new technologies be required? Based on your storage media (hard drive, tape, NAS, etc) you can determine some average costs for expansion.
Variables, including network availability, data set, and importance, will determine the frequency of backup jobs. The number of virtual machines and business applications in your environment all play a part in your unique plan. Your unique backup strategy will consider the various backup types, including full, differential, incremental, or incremental forever, and system image.
To calculate your own backup requirements, NovaBACKUP Corporation recommends first analyzing the type and amount of data you have and documenting your existing IT resources and limitations. First, get a general idea of your future needs using the Backup Calculator, and then consult with a backup expert for the clearest possible picture.