Backups · Recovery · Operations
Plan backups. Prepare for recovery.
Backups need to fit your organisation’s data, systems and working practices. We help plan, configure and maintain backups while considering how recovery should work if a disruption occurs.
Establish what needs to be backed up
File storage, application data and system configurations have different requirements. We assess the relevant data and establish which systems depend on each other. Responsibility for data and access is part of this assessment.
Together, we discuss the recovery points you need and the importance of individual services to operations. This informs the technical planning of backup scope, frequency, destinations and retention. Desired recovery times need to be assessed against the environment’s capabilities.
Backup & recovery
A backup is part of a recovery process.
These four tasks connect backup operation with practical recovery preparation.
01
Define the scope
Identify data, systems, dependencies and priorities.
02
Configure backups
Agree jobs, targets, access and retention.
03
Review backup runs
Review results and investigate errors in the agreed scope.
04
Test recovery
Restore agreed data and functions under defined test conditions.
Use test results and infrastructure changes to update the plan. Recovery time depends on data, architecture and available resources.
Configure a suitable backup solution
We consider supplier recommendations and work with Veeam or rsync-based backup systems, depending on the environment. The choice reflects the data, platforms, storage destinations and workflows required.
Setup includes accessible backup destinations, appropriate permissions and sufficient capacity. A snapshot or replication does not automatically serve the same purpose as an independent backup. We assess which methods can usefully complement each other in your environment.
- Assess data, systems and dependencies
- Configure backup jobs, destinations and retention
- Define access and technical responsibilities
- Integrate backup procedures with the existing infrastructure
Check backup jobs and investigate errors
A configured backup job still needs attention. We help check backup runs and investigate errors within the agreed scope. Full storage, changed credentials or new systems can all affect backups.
When servers or applications change, the backup scope needs to be checked as well. Relevant adjustments and responsibilities are recorded so that ongoing support has a clear technical basis.
Prepare recovery in practice
Before a disruption, it should be clear which data or systems are needed first. We consider the sequence, required access and technical dependencies during preparation and agree appropriate recovery tests.
A test shows whether the intended data and functions can be restored under the conditions checked. Results and outstanding issues help improve the procedure. The achievable scope and duration depend on data volumes, architecture and available resources.
Connect backups with everyday operations
New users, additional applications and growing data volumes change the infrastructure. We support agreed administration while considering the effect on backups, maintenance and recovery.
Server operations, networking and security measures are connected here. Changes in one area should therefore be assessed in relation to the others, for example when a new server is added or access permissions change.
Questions about backups and recovery
How quickly can data be restored?
This depends on data volumes, backup architecture and available resources. We establish the required scope and assess suitable procedures rather than assuming a standard recovery time.
Is a successful backup job enough?
The status of a backup run matters. Agreed recovery tests also help establish whether the data and functions you need can actually be restored.
Can you maintain an existing backup system?
We assess its technical state, the systems covered, destinations, access and available documentation. This establishes the possible scope of support and any necessary changes.
What needs to be available after a disruption?
Tell us about your essential data, systems and existing backups. We can establish how backup and recovery arrangements should support them.