One of the most important features a database system must have is the ability to backup information regularly, as well as to recover information when it is lost. Most databases have backup and recovery tools incorporated into their interfaces, however, for those working with database systems it is imperative to understand the processes involved.
In addition, it is paramount to know beforehand what user actions or system bugs may lead to a database failure and which information could get lost. One good place to find out more about data backup and recovery is SeaData. We specialize in database architecture, database management, database consultancy and all issues related to database systems.
Backup and Recovery: Some Facts
There are several types of failures that can cause data to go missing or corrupt, making it worthwhile to incorporate backup and recovery systems into your database. The biggest cause for data loss, damage or corruption is user error. Users may voluntarily or involuntarily activate an application which modifies or destroys data.
Another cause for data damage or loss is hardware failure, which can happen when the drives on which the data files or the transaction logs are stored fail. Additional causes also include natural catastrophic events, such as a fire or a flood, a virus, an electrical outage or a deliberate hacking into the system.
Backup and Recovery Plans
In order to avoid great losses of data beforehand, it is highly important to design a good backup and recovery plan for your data. Such a plan should be based on the following parameters: the information the data contains, the frequency of changes made in the data, the speed required to recover the data, the available equipment for backups, the best time for scheduling backups, the person in charge of performing the backups and the necessity of storing backups off-site.
For more information on data backup and recovery, you are invited to visit the SeaData website.