Should we Back Up to Tape or Not?
Setting up a system for multiple computers operating
on a network, backing up your data to a tape drive, network
attached storage (NAS) or a Virtual Tape Library are some of the
solutions the end user should consider when approaching the
topic of backups.
Although they ultimately perform the same function, the methods
of operations are somewhat different. In some cases, specific
software is needed and files need to be encrypted, which results in a more secure
environment. Speed is not necessary what every IT engineer
wants, in some cases, ease of use is more importnant. Finding a balance is not
always that easy.
Reliability
The use of magnetic tape to encode computer data was first
marketed by IBM in the 1950s. Today, tapes are still
regarded as a very reliable form of data storage. Perhaps the
largest benefit of using magnetic drives is that the data can be
stored offsite to minimize risk of destruction by theft, floods,
or fires. In terms of pure functional reliability, network
attached storage systems, virtual tape libraries and physical tapes
are comparable.
Retrieving Data
Retrieving data after a loss is generally faster with a disk
based system than with magnetic tape. Speed, however shouldn't be
the only consideration when choosing a backup medium. For
businesses that require a daily "snapshot" of data on any
particular day, the speed of data recovery isn't as critical as
incremental date stamped data imprints.
Speed
There's no doubt that disk based operations are faster. Tape backups can take hours to copy
data while NAS and VTL storage offers real-time data storage.
This is an important consideration for businesses that operate
round the clock because recording to tape requires a
backup window when computers are not in use. However, for those
who prefer the benefits of storing tapes but don't have an
adequate backup window, a "disk to disk to tape" system is a
common solution. With this solution, data is copied to a
secondary hard disk and then recorded to tape for archiving.
Space
The capacity of a network attached storage solution is dependant
on the number of disk drives installed. A NAS for a small
business could technically be a personal computer with enough
disk space to hold the entire data contents of the companies
systems. On the other hand, professional grade network attached
storage machines can hold between 3 to 40 plus terabytes of
data.
Conclusion
Magnetic systems can essentially be customized to fit the storage
needs of a business. With tape, you can essentially "pay
as you grow" for additional storage by adding storage to
existing libraries. Instead of paying for the amount network
attached storage space you anticipate you'll need 5 years from
now, you can purchase just enough to meet your
current demand. Tapes fit into a storage case called a
tape library with racks that can be filled as the data load
increases.
No matter which system your business chooses, the important
thing is to get some sort of system in place to back up your
company's critical data. The decision to choose network attached
storage or to use tapes is a decision best made with the
assistance of a professional who can recommend the most cost
effective way to achieve your goals and protect your valuable
data.
BackupChain server backup solution makes sure your software and files are properly backed up. Map an FTP Drive by mounting an FTP site to a drive letter using BackupChain DriveMaker.