The ideal backup strategy consists of three parts so that we don’t place our eggs all in one basket. For the sake of rapid recovery, the first part is a local backup which is accomplished through software and some form of data storage. Software is used for automation and the ability to perform an incremental backup, which backs-up only the changes that occurred since the previous backup. Automation is extremely important because as humans, we are simply not consistent enough to ensure that the backup job gets accomplished (we can get busy, tired or forgetful). Since the data needs to get backed up to some sort of storage, this gets accomplished through either direct attached storage like an external hard drive or network access storage on the local area network.

The second part of the strategy is an off-site backup. The easiest way to accomplish this is by incorporating a scheduled rotation of a secondary storage device or storage media. Because of the fragility of conventional storage and media, extra care needs to be taken to ensure that damage does not occur during transport. A more sophisticated off-site backup can be accomplished via software over the internet through a secure VPN connection to a secondary storage device. However, performing a complete data recovery from an off-site backup will require transport of the storage device or media to the locality.

The last part of the strategy is to use a cloud backup service which has redundant data centers or where at least their data center is not located in the same area. Cloud backup is best used as the last resort when local and off-site backups have been compromised like in the case of a major disaster.

Although this three part backup strategy is ideal, not everyone can abide by it. In some cases a two part strategy is all that can be accomplished. Even if only one part of this strategy is used the fact still remains that “any backup is better than no backup at all”.