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It is very important to validate tape backups on a periodic basis. These tapes are to be used to restore the full system to another server. If the full restore does not function properly in a test environment, the tapes cannot be counted on to provide full recovery from a catastrophic event. Aptify recommends a full tape verification on a periodic basis. The most conservative approach is to test each tape backup. However, most organizations do not want to devote the time needed to test the backup media each day. It is usually considered conservative to test the tape media each week by restoring the data to a test server.
Off-Site Storage of Backup
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Files
The greater the diversity of storage location for backup tapesfiles, the less the risk of data loss.
Aptify recommends that all backup tapes files(daily and otherwise) be kept off-site. Either automatically copy them to geographically diverse areas of our corporate network, or better yet, employ a specialist service or store them in a fireproof location with low humidity, such as a bank vaultsecure Cloud backup service. Although inconvenient, the seriousness of data loss makes this step worthwhile.
Validating Backup Tapes When Updating the Test Server
If the Test Server is restored from the Production backup tape on a periodic basis, the integrity of the backup tapes may be monitored.
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Before restoring data from the Production to the Test Server, be sure to back up any ongoing work on the Test Server and save it to another location to avoid the loss of test configurations or data. |
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