Do you backup or should you archive? 

To answer the question, what needs to be understood are the differences and benefits that data backup and data archive deliver. In simplistic terms, the key difference is that backup is a process to save data and archive exists to reduce costs and risks.

Backup is a regular, usually daily, procedure to securely protect data and make it available for restore in case of loss. This normally covers data which is created and in use daily and is indispensable to an organisation.

Archiving however, is a process that takes place periodically or as desired to save data for the longer term. Data selected for archiving is just as important as data suitable for backup - the only difference is that archive data need not occupy storage that can be better utilised with day-to-day data. Equally, it shouldn't be backed up to expensive media, or clog and slow the backup process. It makes much more sense to keep the backup routine lean, while other data suitable for archiving can be stored on more cost effective media.

Before digital data, most production people in the media industries such as print, publishing, design and advertising used job bags. Within a workflow, job bags were used as a means to contain and ensure the security of material as it was passed from studio manager to designer, designer to production and so on. Job bags would contain material that was worked on a daily basis. Once a job was completed, the job bag would be filed and if required, it could be accessed and used later. Nowadays, nearly all this material is electronic. While workflows may have altered slightly, the need still remains to ensure production data is secured on a daily basis and that this can be filed away when complete and accessed at a later date.

Just like backup, it is worth considering your archive strategies. First review your requirements - consider:

• The size of your business and the future growth of data and what your archive needs may be
• How much data needs to be archived now?
• How will archive data be selected - manually or automatically ?
• Where will archive data be stored (tape or disk or both)?

The question of where data is stored and on what type of media can also offer options.  Staged archive provides a capability for organisations to use less costly disk storage for data that could be removed from expensive prime storage. Although disk storage will carry some maintenance overhead, it does offer fast restore. Tape on the other-hand, although slightly slower for restore, does offer the flexibility and proven reliability. Irrespective of the storage media selected, it is always important to remember to duplicate your archives. It is always safer to make multiple copies or archive data than taking a chance of losing one, and remember to ensure one remains off-site just in case there is a disaster!

PresSTORE Backup and Archive makes it possible to backup and archive without adding to a system manager's workload due to the high degree of automation and delegation of restore processes. PresSTORE Archive offers a wide range of features suitable for many different industries.

Want to know more?

If you haven't tried PresSTORE give it a go - PresSTORE is freely available for download and evaluation:

Download your trial version of PresSTORE

Alternatively, if you would like to talk to someone about PresSTORE, then please contact JPY plc to request further information.