Best Practices for Data Storage

July 25, 2009

Data storage is a critical component to a business' disaster recovery and business continuity plan, and should include plans for the automated backup and immediate recovery for mission critical operating systems, applications and data and secure storage and ready access for non-mission critical applications and data. Retrievex, a leading provider of records and information management solutions, provides digital information and media storage solutions that allow organizations to meet the Recovery Time Objectives dictated for both mission critical and non-mission critical data sets.

It is important to have reliable data storage in case of a natural disaster, theft, computer virus, the loss of a disc or flash drive, or a computer crash. Evaluation of a company's potential for risk and their current procedures can dictate what kind of data storage is needed depending on pre-defined Recovery Time Objectives for both mission critical and non-mission critical components.

When selecting a data storage vendor to support your business continuity and disaster recovery plan, the vendor needs to offer solutions that support your pre-defined Recovery Time Objections. This may mean they offer both an on-line back up capability, often referred to as Internet Vaulting for the mission critical applications and data and the secure storage of physical media for the non-mission critical items. In addition the vendor must be reputable and offer well defined processes for the consistent back up of data that is stored on-line and meet or exceed all ANSI standards for the storage of the physical media.

As previously mentioned one component is a well monitored, centralized, media back up program. Storing information on back up tapes or external hard drives can be very cost efficient. Companies typically copy and encrypt data to media tapes, and rotate the tapes to a secure off-site facility to store in case of emergency. This rules out the risk associated with storing tapes on-site, and the risk of theft and loss. This is an excellent choice for information that must be kept long-term or is not mission critical.

The other component is an automated online back-up system that will support the recovery of mission critical applications in cases where the restoration of physical media can not meet Recovery Time Objectives. Information is stored as it is created or updated. This is an excellent choice for the immediate storage of information and the immediate recovery of stored information. Further since on-line system back-up does not rely on a person or a department to save the information it is also an ideal solution for the daily backup from branch offices, laptop users, and remote users.

Regardless of which approach is employed, timely access to stored data is necessary for the continuity of business and since security is critical, information should be safeguarded with encryption. Privacy is crucial for much information in a business including financial documents, but also for the protection of information to be compliant with regulatory policies, especially those dealing with the protection of personal identifiable information such as social security numbers, credit card numbers, dates of birth, etc.

Therefore comprehensive data storage strategy ensures the availability of information and the continuity of business in case of a loss, which can be the difference for a company's survival if the unexpected happens as well as protect an organization from both the embarrassment and fines associated with the loss of personal identifiable information.

Retrievex is a leader in the records management industry offering state of the art facilities and procedures for secure storage of both physical and on-line digital media. Retrievex.com customizes data storage plans for businesses based on their needs and industry regulations and mandates. The Retrievex Vault and Internet Vault offer secure yet accessible data storage.

Bio: Grace Enderlein is a freelance writer and editor. "Best Practices for Data Storage" notes the importance of secure data storage offered by Retrievex.com.