Backing up your virtual environment in the workplace is the equivalent of keeping copies of original files. It’s a way to ensure that you have some trace of essential documents in the event of loss or damage to the originals.
There are two main types of data backups that your business can utilise. File-level backups and Image-level backups each has its own set of strengths and challenges. Here is everything you need to know about each methodology so that you can decide what works best for your business.
File-level backups
This is the most common type of backup in day to day use. As one of the older forms of digital data saving, you are likely to have stumbled upon it at some point. Its most common in home and small business environment where whole files can be saved to a remote system that retains those files. An example of this is cloud storage or an external drive. It’s perfectly adequate for uniform saving that requires manual implementation.
This form of storage is not ideal for businesses that use multiple machines or servers because it is time-consuming and granular. In the event of a severe failure, only files and folders actively selected for backup are salvageable.
Image-level backups
Also known as bare metal recovery or cloning this form of backup is not a selective measure. Rather than merely preserving individual files, this type of data recovery system also saves application data, operating systems, settings and patches in a single recoverable place. The backup takes a snapshot of your system and saves it as a single file or image that can be retrieved or restored in the event of a loss.
This form of backup requires more storage space but is quick and efficient when it comes to restoration. It is also not device-specific, so any computer can retrieve and restore, which is perfect in the event of hardware damage or theft because it’s completely portable. However, this feature also adds to its risk because remote data breaches are a possibility.
It’s essential to implement a disaster recovery plan for your business to safeguard your data and prevent considerable losses. When you entrust this process to a professional records management company, they do everything for you. From formulating a masterplan and scanning services to implementation to actual file storage, they do it all.