Remote Data Storage
When implementing a backup solution, it is important to also consider remote data storage requirements. Some backup solutions require manual transport of the data backups to an offsite location while other solutions, such as remote backup software, include this critical feature natively. Along with the client software setup and preference selection, the capabilities and configuration of the remote data storage server are equally important.
Remote data storage is a key consideration when evaluating remote backup software products, as the destination storage server will be the host for all data backed up using the system. The correct remote data storage array is, therefore, half of the consideration - in terms of hardware. The better remote backup software solutions are compatible with almost any storage back-end, from simple tower servers to high-end NAS and SAN devices capable of storing terabytes of compressed and encrypted client data.
Drive sizes and overall backup capacity will dictate not only the backup capacity of the device(s), but also for what time period the hardware will be appropriate for the job. Again, the better remote backup software packages do not force you to commit to whatever remote data storage unit you initially choose, but allow you to migrate the data and backup software to another more suitable machine when and if the need arises. An initial remote data storage server might consist of a Pentium IV machine with 2 GB of RAM and twin 250 GB hard drives, for example.
Depending on your needs, and the data amounts and configuration of your clients, the appropriate remote data storage hardware will become evident after a bit of research into the type and amounts of data you’ll be storing and some calculations which consider storage space and retention requirements.
The staff at Remote Backup Systems has been consulting on remote data storage requirements for over 18 years, and we’ll be glad to assist you, too. Check out our basic hardware guidelines for a remote backup server, and give us a call to discuss other options.
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