Massaker.Me

#1 Protect Your Business From Disasters

#2 Document Business Processes

# 3 Backup Data Off Site

Server Image Backups

1. Use disk-based, sector level snapshot software, such as Acronis TrueImage for server backup.
2. Backup to external eSATA or USB hard drives which are rotated out to an off site location weekly. Keep at least 2 weeks (2 drives) off site at all times (because if you are transporting one and you get in a wreck, you still have the older one at the off site location – plus it never hurts to have a spare)
3. Perform restore checks on drives before taking off site. Make sure that you can restore individual files and mount virtual images

Online Backup

1. Supplement Server Image Backups with ongoing incremental Online Backup to ensure all data is current when you perform a restore. This would be just for files and small databases.

Off Site Replication

1. Setup another server in a co-location center or even the business owner’s home, to act as a file replication server. You’ll need to have a point-to-point virtual private network (VPN) between the locations. This will allow you to access all critical files within seconds of a disaster.

Email Archival Services

1. Enroll into an email archival service, such as Postini. Many industries are required to archive email anyway, such as financial planning firms. Notice that I said service, vs. archiving on a server – which obviously is useless if a disaster happens.

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