JPY plc: PresSTORE Knowledge Base

PresSTORE: Tape or Disk - your media decision

synch_icon archive_icon backup_icon With backup or archive, these days it is not really a case of if tape is a better media compared to disk.

Tape offers many benefits over disk, but disk also offers benefits over tape. So, the question to answer is "Is the media selected an appropriate choice for the data protection plan?".

The selection of tape or disk as a storage media really depend on its intended use. An assessment should be made to determine the selection of storage media, taking in to consideration of every aspect that is important to the organisation and the data protection policies that have been adopted and will be needed in the future.

Although some may select tape because of its reliability, cost etc. and disk may be selected because of its speed of restore, perceived value etc., it is also common practice for both tape and disk to be used in an organisations backup and archive plans. So take a look at the businesses data protection requirements for backup and archive and then decide...

PresSTORE: What is your backup strategy?

There is no single backup strategy that works for all situations and in all environments. However you can be sure it is not a question of if but when data will be lost. Therefore, it is imperative to back up data and protect it. Ideally, there should be at least two copies of backup data and one of these should be held off-site at a remote secure location, thus providing another layer of protection to the data.  Within many smaller organisations, backup is generally facilitated by copying data to CD, external disk or to tape. Where larger amounts of data need to be protected and backed up, a tape autoloader or library is more often used. The latter enables more automation of backup processes and the ablilitiy to easily facilitate strategies where off-site storage of secondary backup tapes is a necessity.   When the worst happens, and it will, not only is it important that your data is protected but it is just as important that it can be restored quickly so that your business is up and running with as little down time as possible.  PresSTORE professional data management software enables small, medium and enterprise companies to choose a strategy that best suits their business needs.

PresSTORE always writes to something called a "volume pool". This is simply a set of media, let's say tapes, that are used as the storage target for a given backup or archive configuration. PresSTORE is self-maintaining and knows which tapes within the pool to use next and on which tapes data is to be found for restore purposes. It also knows how many complete backups need to be kept on tape. It allows multiple strategies to re-use tapes to make the most efficient use of available resources.  PresSTORE is designed to perform backup and archive operations with a maximum amount of automation. In normal operation, there is no need for users to concern themselves with specifically which data is stored on a given tape volume. Once a backup pool has been created, one can simply fill a jukebox with tapes, setup a backup plan, define the number of backup cycles to keep and PresSTORE will do the rest. This is great - the only disadvantage being that all tapes reside in one room and there is no provision for off-site storage of any of the back up volumes. The following provides a examples of simple backup strategies:

The lazy backup

This is a backup style that runs fully unattended. Within PresSTORE the following weekly schedule is setup: - Monday till Friday an incremental backup - Saturday a full backup - Sunday we skip and do nothing.

The regular backup with regular exchange of the tapes

This is nearly the same as the lazy backup. In addition, the previous full backup is manually removed from the jukebox on a weekly basis and taken to a safe location, thus reducing the risk of damage. Within PresSTORE the schedule is set up as before: - Monday till Friday an incremental backup - Saturday a full backup - Sunday we skip and do nothing

A paranoid backup

In this instance the idea is to be as safe as possible. So a full backup is made daily, and the tapes are removed the next morning and stored at another location. Within PresSTORE the following weekly schedule is setup: - Monday till Friday a full backup - Saturday and Sunday we skip and do nothing

Want to know how?

Check out Volumes, pools and backup strategies on Archiware's web site.  If you haven't tried PresSTORE give it a go - just register your details and you will be provided with a download link.  Alternatively, contact your local reseller or drop Kevan Hamman a mail for more information.   If this email does not display correctly, click here to open in a web-browser

Backup and archive should be at the forefront of any business managers plans. Despite the fact that most businesses are warned about the potential hazards of losing critical business data, many remain oblivious and carry on regardless. So be warned, you can be sure it is not a question of if but when data will be lost. Therefore, it is imperative to back up and archive data - protect it as though it were your child.

Just search the Internet and you will be able to view various statistics that highlight the dangers of ignoring the importance of backup and archive. A statistic highlighted commonly is when an organisation does experience a major data loss it will be in danger of going out of business within a two year period.

Consider if your organisation experiences a data loss; how long could it be without its data, how long would it take to recover and what would be the cost to the business. So look again at the plans in place that are there to protect your organisations data. Most organisations requirements for data storage grow year-on-year and the window to protect this data shrinks continually, so review the plans time and time again.

Archiware 4.2 Download links

Use these links to download PresSTORE 4.2.4 installers for all platforms.

4.2.4 Mac OS DMG Download

4.2.4 Unix TGZ Download

4.2.4 Windows MSI Download

PresSTORE Backup and protect critical company data in a central location

backup_icon synch_icon Backup and protection of critical data in a central location can be a relatively easy solution to implement. For organisations that comprise of smaller satellite operations, an IT infrastructure will generally develop independently at each site. However, as the organisation grows the back up and recovery at each individual site becomes less cost effective and more difficult to manage.

PresSTORE - Protecting pro-video data workflows

Pro-video professionals work with huge data files. From the start of a project, digital data is created and modified continually during the production process until the final masterpiece is presented. These days, much pro-video footage is shot digitally and at every stage of the production process through to completion, this valuable data needs protecting. How this data is protected depends very much on the workflow. In general, from a production prospective, a workflow will follow the process of creating the content: plan, film, edit, deliver and store.

The following article looks at how PresSTORE can integrate with a video/photographic workflow.

PresSTORE Synchronise disk to disk, Archive to tape

Backup disk-to-disk for short term retention of data and then archive to tape for longer term storage.

Due to the nature of their business, many organisations prefer to work on data live from a server and offer immediate protection to this data. Then, when this data no longer needs to be stored on live storage it is archived to less costly media such as tape. By archiving data that no longer needs to be saved on live storage, valuable space can be freed and used for more current and pressing needs.

PresSTORE Archive to tape and or disk

8 Backup disk-to-disk for short term retention of data and then archive to tape using either stand alone tape device or single drive tape library for off-site storage.

Synchronise Backup

• Synchronise data from server/storage to server storage.

• Ideal for sites where downtime is not an option

• Short-term protection of data (minutes/hours)

• Store cycles

• Keep file versions

• Protection against hardware/building failures

• Complete machine (bare metal) and file recovery

• Easy off-site replication

• Synchronise more than one server

Tape Archive

• Long-term storage of data no longer in use

• Data migration removing load from (costly) online storage

• Off-site storage

• Archive data from more than one server

Considerations

• Identify your data protection needs

• Decide what data should be protected short term

• Decide how often data should be replicated

• Decide how often data should be backed up to tape

• Look at total data set + how much changes

• Ensure there is adequate storage for data to be synchronised

• Should you keep file versions

• Will cycles of data be held

• Check Internet/VPN connection speeds

• Decide what data should be protected long term term

• Decide if tape archive will be manual or automated

• Can the short term replication be complimented by backup (using same tape hardware)?

• If data is not synchronised off-site, should alternative arrangements be considered?  See Backup to tape for more information about off-site storage considerations.

Where tapes are stored off-site, Archive plans should reflect this need.

Features / benefits

• Provide immediate access to data

• No downtime

• Easy to search and restore using file system

• Keep versions and cycles

• Simple set up

• Little administration

• Scalable - add or upgrade licences to offer new features, servers or workstations, larger tape libraries

• Cost and time effective

• Searchable Archive indexes

• Previews of media files (PDF, TIFF, JPG, AIFF, MOV, m4v...)

• Metadata fields describing files, extensible & searchable

• Permission any general user to search backup and restore lost files

• Detailed PresSTORE Synchronise features

• Detailed PresSTORE Archive features

Licencing Considerations

• Decide how many servers need to be synchronised

• The server licenced for PresSTORE will be licenced to synchronise to and from itself and other servers

• Will archive be stored using a stand alone tape device or tape library?

• How many tapes can the library hold? This will determine the number of media management and storage licences needed

• The number of servers to be included in the backup plans dictates the number of server clients needed

• Can the tape library be expanded and are their sufficient PresSTORE licences is early expansion is needed?

• Will Backup be beneficial in addition to Synchronise?

PresSTORE licences to consider first:

• Synchronise Module

• Archive Module

• Archive Edition

Archive to tape or disk.

The difference between backup and archive is sometimes misconstrued by many organisations who need to protect their data. The key difference is that backup is a process to save data and archive exists to reduce costs and risks, and to protect data for a much longer period of time. An archive is no longer the realm of a cool damp corridor full of files stored in fire proof containers. Instead, a company archive, is increasingly held electronically. Data is stored securely on tape or disk, duplicated in many locations to protect it from hazard.

Archiware 4.3.5 Download links

Archiware PresSTORE 4.3.5 links

PresSTORE 4.3.5 Mac installer

PresSTORE 4.3.5 Windows installer

PresSTORE 4.3.5 Unix installer

PresSTORE Synchronise disk-to-disk, Backup and Archive to tape

Backup disk-to-disk-to-tape for short term retention of data and then archive to tape for longer term storage.

While keeping data protected for the short to mid term (Backup disk-to-disk-to-tape) is imperative. However, the amount of data being protected will undoubtedly increase over a period of time, and therefore, the amount of storage available will reduce and the number of tapes used for backup will increase. A strategy exists to allow the migration of live data and to free up precious storage to another storage media.

Sending job-logs to secure SMTP servers

PresSTORE can email joblogs but cannot authenticate with your SMTP server in order to send these emails. If you're email server is the same LAN as the PresSTORE server, then it's usually possible to configure Exchange/Kerio etc to accept and relay emails from your PresSTORE server to your local email accounts. However, with hosted email servers, SMTP authentication is required but not available within PresSTORE.

PresSTORE Backup disk to disk to tape

Backup server data to disk for short term retention of data and then backup to tape using either stand alone tape device or single drive tape library for off-site storage.

In the same way in which backup of data by disk-to-disk synchronisation is important for immediate access and availability, so is the short to mid-term backup of data and the additional resilience that off-site protection of this data offers. Apart from the key facts that backing up data to tape provides:

PresSTORE Synchronise to backup server to disk

Backup server data disk-to-disk, from production server to backup server with PresSTORE Synchronise.

We know it is imperative that server data is backed up. A daily backup is the most common form of protection. With the daily backup, an organisation can be sure their data is protected on a day-to-day basis. Therefore if there is a problem, data and files from the previous day can be restored. But what if the worst was to happen - fire, floods or simply the server just failed completely?

PresSTORE Workstation and Laptop Backup

Backup laptop and workstation data to server disk. Backup server to tape using either stand alone tape device or single drive tape library.

Data stored on laptops and workstations is often overlooked by conventional back up software, not necessarily because the software cannot back up laptop data, simply because if laptops or workstations are switched off or out of the office, then they cannot be backed up.

PresSTORE Backup to Removable Disk

Backup server data to disk using a stand alone removable disk device.

Backup to disk is a method commonly used by small businesses to protect their data. However, there is not one form of best practice that suits all instances. The following outlines what PresSTORE Backup can offer those wanting to backup to disk. It Highlights some of the key benefits and offers some pointers for consideration. Click here for more information about backup to disk.

PresSTORE Backup to Tape

Backup server data to tape using either a stand alone tape device or single drive tape library.

Back up to tape with PresSTORE is simple. The following outlines what PresSTORE Backup can offer those wanting to backup to tape. This page highlights the key benefits and offers some points for consideration.

Alternating backup configurations

This article provides some guidance for those planning on using the new 'alternating' backup feature that appeared in PresSTORE 4.2. The aim of this new option within backup plans, is to ease the setup of backup workflows where tapes are switched on/off-site on a regular basis.

We're happy for this document to evolve as a result of feedback to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it so if anything is not clear, please get in touch.

4.2.1 demo key input

Note that in PresSTORE version 4.2.1 there are a couple of new demo license options available in the drop-down menu in the license input window. These allow customers to generate 5 or 30 day demo licenses directly from within the product via a redirection to the Archiware site to collect some information.

Generating PresSTORE 4 keys using the Archiware Portal website

Follow these steps (screengrabs included) to set yourself up an account on the Archiware Portal, search for your licenses, and generate verision 4 keys.

Update: This video provided by Archiware also shows how to use the portal to generate new keys.

PresSTORE 4.1 upgrade notes

41_P4_logo In October 2010, Archiware released PresSTORE 4.1 (P4). This version allows customers already running version 3.x (P3) to upgrade 'in-place' by following the installation instructions. On Mac and Windows installations, this just involves running the installer package. The notes below provide some details on the upgrade process based on our experiences.

Please also read the Archiware FAQ document for more information.

Downloading Support Data

zip If you need to report any kind of problem with PresSTORE to JPY Support, we'll always request that you download and attach 'support data' to the email.

The support data consists of a ZIP file which you download via PresSTORE's admin web interface. Screenshots in this article show how to do this in both PresSTORE versions 3 and 4. Within the ZIP file, PresSTORE places it's own log files, the system (OS) log file plus some information about the hardware attached to the computer. This generally provides all the information we need to investigate an issue.

Migrate PresSTORE from old Xserve to new

This guide describes how to take an existing PresSTORE installation and move it to a new server. We're specifically dealing with OS X here, the same instructions do not apply to other platforms. You can use this technique however to migrate from a PPC Mac to an Intel Mac. Note that the folder 'conf' that you're going to compress and copy across contains both the configuration and indexes for PresSTORE and therefore might be large. How large? - you'll need to look and check.

Calculating network data transfer speeds

funnel

Being in the business of selling data-management products, we're often asked how long it takes to transmit x-Gigabytes of data to a remote sites and other questions which roughly equate to 'how long is a piece of string'. The answer can always be obtained providing you're armed with some knowledge of units of data, and can translate between bits and bytes.

Relocating Archiware PresSTORE indexes to RAID storage

PresSTORE has a default installation location of /usr/local/aw. When installing and upgrading using the OS X package installer, this directory will be used. We do not therefore recommend using an alternative location.

However, because PresSTORE places it's index databases within this directory, a situation can occur where there isn't enough free space on the system partition to comfortably accommodate presstore and it's indexes. The recommended solution here is to relocate the /usr/local/aw/conf/index folder to an alternative location (partition) and create a 'soft link' to this new location.

Backup2Go Coverdisk License Registration

In order to activate and use your copy of PresSTORE Backup2Go, you'll need to do the following:

Install PresSTORE on your OS X machine
Access the web-based administration interface and determine your 'Host ID'. This is a unique ID based on the hardware of your Mac and enables the activated PresSTORE license only to run on this machine. It is possible to transfer the license however if you change the hardware or upgrade your Mac.
Request and receive an activation code from Archiware.
Enter the license into PresSTORE, including both the serial number and the activation key.

Backup to Disk - a best practice for small business?

synch_icon backup2go_icon backup_icon Backup to disk is a method commonly used by small businesses to protect their data. However, there is not one form of best practice that suits all instances. The use of disk rather than tape is generally a matter of choice and can be determined by many issues including, cost, speed of backup / restore, the amount of data , etc.

However, small businesses should think about how their business may grow and what their requirements may be in the future. Although backup is always top priority, archiving or longer term retention of data should also be high on the list of items to consider.

PresSTORE 4.0 Licencing - Workgroup Edition 24

Supports data backup from five servers to a single tape device and inludes the following PresSTORE Licences:

PresSTORE Backup Licence
+ 4 Server-Clients (Mac/Win/Linux/Sun*)
For 5 servers, one for the local PresSTORE server and four additional servers
Media Drive Licence for use with one tape drive
Media Management and Storage Licences - 24 units, each useable as changer slots (tape slots) or for disk storage slots (max 1TB per slot).

PresSTORE 4.0 Licencing - Professional Edition 48

Supports data backup, archiving and synchronisation from five servers to a single tape device and inludes the following PresSTORE Licences:

PresSTORE Backup Licence
PresSTORE Synchronise Licence
PresSTORE Archive Licence
+ 4 Server-Clients (Mac/Win/Linux/Sun*)
- For 5 servers, for the local PresSTORE server and four additional servers
2 Media Drive Licence for use with tape or optical drives
Media Management and Storage Licences - 48 units, each useable as changer slots (tape slots) or for disk storage slots (max 1TB per slot).

PresSTORE 4.0 Licencing - Workgroup XXL Edition 24

Supports data backup and synchronisation from five servers to a single tape device and inludes the following PresSTORE Licences:

PresSTORE Backup Licence
PresSTORE Synchronise Licence
+ 4 Server-Clients (Mac/Win/Linux/Sun*)
- For 5 servers, for the local PresSTORE server and four additional servers
Media Drive Licence for use with one tape or optical drive
Media Management and Storage Licences - 24 units, each useable as changer slots (tape slots) or for disk storage slots (max 1TB per slot).

PresSTORE 4.0 Licencing - Professional XXL Edition