Backup is important for every enterprise environment because data has become an integral part of every industry. And with backups, enterprises can make sure they do not lose crucial data. But what if they lose their data and their backups? Troublesome thought, isn’t it?
But the question is: Is it even possible? Isn’t a backup solution enough?
Even thinking about setting up a backup for your backup sounds silly. But there’s actually quite a bit of substance to it. In this article, we talk about why a single backup solution isn’t enough. And what I really mean by Backups for your Backups
Can Your Backups Fail Too?
First things first, is it even possible?
The answer is a Yes’. How is that possible? In order to answer this question, we will have to breakdown backup technology.
What are backups?
Backups are pretty similar to redundant storage but not exactly the same.
Backups are created by using purpose-built backup software, like Veeam, Backblaze, Commvault, Veritas, etc. The express purpose of backups is to make sure that data is available and recoverable in the event of data corruption, data loss, accidental/malicious deletion, and other similar situations.
There are different ways to back up enterprise data.
It can be backed up in the cloud, also called cloud backup, or dedicated backup appliances can be used for said purpose. There are different types of backup appliances that can be used for enterprise backups but that’s a different discussion altogether.
So, you have cloud backups or on-premises backup solutions for your enterprise data. They’re good enough, right? You probably don’t need anything else.
Well, you do because as I mentioned, they can fail on you.
How?
There are a number of factors that can do that to your backup solutions. For example, the hardware can fail, a power outage can lead to inaccessibility, or drive failure can lead to loss of backup data.
If it’s cloud backup, then in the event of network failure or bandwidth unavailability, it’s not possible to access the backed up data.
Therefore, if you’ve been thinking that one backup solution is good enough to keep your data safe and recoverable, you’ve been living a lie.
How frequently do Backups Fail?
Okay, so backup solutions can fail every now and then but how frequently does it happen?
Is that your trail of thought? Did I catch you red-handed?
That’s actually not a bad question.
The probability of having your backup solution fail is similar to the likelihood of storage solution failure. If it’s an on-premises backup hardware, then it can fail just like how storage data centers fail.
It can be due to a failed power supply, a drive failure, a software malfunction or worst ransomware. And if you’re a system administrator, you know full well how frequently power supplies fail, drives fail, software malfunctions happen and ransomware claims a new victim.
To hit the nail on the head, I’d say that a single backup solution is not a smart strategy because it’s vulnerable to power failure, hardware failure, and other threats.
Plan B is Backup “ Plan C is the Backup for Your Backup
Now that we’ve established that it’s risky relying on a single backup solution. Let’s talk about the backups for your backup.
How can one backup their backup? That sounds redundant, doesn’t it? That’s what it is actually. One of the best ways to ensure redundancy and reliability is the 3-2-1 data protection strategy. If you have the 3-2-1 rule setup, then you can beat your chest and let the world know: I have backups for my backups!
What is the 3-2-1 Rule?
The 3-2-1 rule says that an enterprise should have a total of three copies of their data, stored on two different types of storage media, with one copy offsite.
Such a setup is very less likely to result in a complete loss of data. The 3-2-1 rule is an ironclad data protection strategy that helps with threats like ransomware, malware, hardware failure, and other similar disasters.
Is it Costly?
Let’s be honest, backups aren’t inexpensive and setting up redundancy for your backups aren’t going to be cheap either.
It is true that making a redundant copy of your back up data will increase the cost quite a bit. However, it will still be minimal in comparison to the loss your company will have to bear in case of losing enterprise data. Mind you, it can happen within the blink of an eye.
It is better to spend a little in time than spending heavily on desperate procedures that may or may not work, later on. Working things out after data loss or data corruption doesn’t just cost money, it costs time too. Therefore, the wise decision is to invest in solutions that are more reliable and less likely to fail on you when you need them the most.
Perks of Redundant Backups “ Why do it?
First of all, it gives an extra layer of protection to your data. Secondly, it shows the long term planning and vision to your clients, competitors and other stakeholders. It shows you care for what they care for the most.
In this perspective, it can act as a marketing element for the businesses as well. Clients care about being cared for. If your organization gives them what they need, you’re bound to do well in the market.
It is Not a Luxury “ You Need it!
Backup is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Similarly, redundant backups aren’t a luxury but a futuristic and professional approach to business.
Redundant backups make sure that you have more to count on. To picture this in a better way, consider this analogy: if backups are like putting on a seat belt then redundant backups are the airbags that’ll help you brace for impact in the event of an accident.
If you’re familiar with car safety, then you’ll agree with me when I say that neither the car belt nor the airbags are a luxury.
Conclusion
Setting up redundant backups is the same as configuring high availability and redundant data storage infrastructure.
Backups are for the express purpose of ensuring that the data owner does not lose their data. But what if the backup repository fails? Redundant backups are the solution to this problem.
The answer to whether you should or shouldn’t depends on the importance of your data. Can your organizations endure downtime and data loss?
If so, then a single backup solution is fine. If you heavily rely on data and your business needs it, then redundant backups are necessary.
