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How Many Backups Are Enough?

October 15th, 2012 | Posted by wwo in Backup Concepts & Methods - (0 Comments)

A lot of people ask whether they should have multiple backup systems, and we usually answer yes. But care should be taken in configuring each backup system, so that there are no conflicts, or worse yet, surprises at restore time.

Since the days of DOS, the Microsoft operating systems have included a file attribute known as the “archive bit.” The archive bit is there for the specific purpose of noting whether a file has been backed up since the it was last changed. When the file is created or modified in any way, the archive bit is set “on.” When a backup system has backed up the file, the backup system may set the archive bit “off.” When there is only one backup system, this strategy is extremely effective. The backup system can rely on the status of the archive bit to determine whether any given file needs to be considered for backup.

However, imagine what happens with two backup systems, where each relies on the archive bit. A file is changed at 10:00am and the first backup runs at 6:00pm. The first backup notes the file has changed, backs it up, and sets the archive bit “off.” Then the second backup runs at 3:00am and skips every file changed before 6:00pm! Therefore one backup system will have backed up some of the changed files, and the other backup system will have backed up others. Neither will have a complete set, so really, both are less than useful.

With many backup systems, including Enveloc’s, there are ways to set it up so the archive bit status is not changed, or not considered. “Copy” mode creates a backup of every file but does not change the archive bit, so that the other system can consider just new or changed files. Or, instead of using the archive bit, with Enveloc you can backup based on the “Modified Date.” Or, you can use Disk Imaging as part of your backup strategy, keeping a complete copy not only of every file, but of the entire disk.

Making multiple backups can provide a deeper level of data security, but be sure you do it right. Call us at 877-368-3562 if you need help or ideas on how to make a reliable configuration.

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Who Is Answering, Please

July 24th, 2012 | Posted by wwo in Backup Features | Disaster Recovery | Restoration | Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

When was the last time you called any company’s Technical Support line and were not extremely nervous that:

• You’d have to wade through a dozen or more voice menu options
• You’d have to listen to advertisements or music on hold for 10 or 20 minutes
• You’d finally get connected to a script-reading monkey who didn’t know a bit from a byte

Sound familiar?

It is aggravating. Modern technology is supposed to make life easier, not more complex. No machine works perfectly forever so problems or questions will always pop up at some point, and that is precisely the moment you don’t need any further frustration.

Being in the on-line backup business, we are particularly sensitive to the fact that often when people call, they are in a serious bind because they have accidently erased a file, or their disc has crashed, or some other calamity has destroyed important data. They don’t need additional hassle.

Although we make it easy to restore data through our software, we also know that even technically proficient people sometimes encounter situations they do not understand, and need someone with experience to guide them through it.

Therefore at Enveloc, the phone is always answered by a human being and that one of our US based trained technicians are available, on average, within 30 seconds. This has been our practice for the past 16 years.

So when we say to call if you need assistance, we mean we are truly standing by to provide it.

Competent, helpful support should be ready when you are- in minutes, not days.

Competent, helpful support should be ready when you are- in minutes, not days.

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Hurricane Season Approaches

May 21st, 2012 | Posted by wwo in Disaster Recovery - (0 Comments)

Each year, Gulf and East Coast residents flinch a little when June 1 approaches. The beginning of the Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Season (the official name for hurricane season in the eastern United States) brings memories of Ivan and Katrina, and for us older folks, Frederick and Betsy and Camille. These storms killed people. They also did a world of damage, especially for those living or working close to the water.

When Camille destroyed Pass Christian, Mississippi, in August, 1969, there weren’t many computers in use along the coast. I was on the scene three days after the storm and the devastation was incredible. Along US 98, which is mostly in sight of the beach as it runs from Mobile to New Orleans, entire buildings were nothing but a pile of rubble. Bare foundation slabs sat side by side with no other evidence that homes had ever been there.Public Use Image

Thirty-six years later, the damage from Katrina in August, 2005 was similar but more widespread. When Katrina hit, however, most businesses were using computers and many lost their data. Those that stored backup tapes in bank safe deposit boxes sadly discovered their backup tapes were waterlogged or washed out to sea. Many had no backup and even though they had insurance to rebuild their business, they could not recover their business data.

Last year it became painfully obvious that northern and inland areas are also subject to severe flooding as Hurricane Irene blew up the east coast and inland to eastern Canada. New England suffered significant damage from this storm, mainly from flooding rivers and creeks.

Don’t take a chance on high winds, high water, or other consequences of hurricanes destroying your business data. Download Enveloc Remote Backup and see how effective and economical a business data backup system can be.

By the way, the names for Atlantic hurricanes for 2012 are:
Alberto (already a named storm), Beryl, Chris, Debby, Ernesto, Florence, Gordon, Helene, Isaac, Joyce, Kirk, Leslie, Michael, Nadine, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sandy, Tony, Valerie, William

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