Continuous data protection: Check IT List

From a traffic perspective, the characteristics of network backup are: Thus, from a network and resources utilization perspective, conditions change once backup begins. Network and resources utilization increase until backup is complete.

Conventional backups can become problematic when they consume more network bandwidth than can be spared for normal operations. That's when continuous backup systems become very attractive. Most well-known backup software providers and many other companies offer backup tools that monitor file system activity and take snapshots as updates occur.

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Rather than waiting for a time window to open to copy everything (full or complete backup) since the last backup, these systems capture everything that has changed and spread the processing and bandwidth necessary to avoid overloading systems and networks. How do you know if your company is a candidate for continuous backup? Here are some questions to ask:

Though continuous backup is more expensive than conventional backup, it does offer extra protection. Vendors such as Veritas Software Corp., EMC Corp., and Symantec Corp. offer products that provide continuous backup coverage. Lesser-known but capable offerings are also available from Softek Storage Solutions Corp., Availl Inc., Peer Software Inc. or Atempo Inc.

Ed Tittel is a regular contributor to numerous TechTarget Web sites, where he acts as a resident expert on networking, markup languages, IT certifications and career development. He's also the author of numerous books on subjects that range from home theater PCs to TCP/IP protocols and services.

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