7 Tips to remember on Data Back-Up:

Test your backups. Make sure that the tape or disk actually contains the files you think they do. Test your backup by trying to restore a file or two. Even automated backup’s can hiccup or the media can become faulty after prolonged use. Also, verify what you are backing up, have a meeting and manage the data and storage of your information technology system.
Rotate your medium. Keep disks, tapes, or sets of disks or tapes for your backups off-site. Rotate them, using them in succession each time you backup. This becomes imperative in case access to your office or Computer Network does not become possible.
Replace tapes after so many uses. Remember that a tape based backup can wear out after many uses, and after a few months or a year, you will need replacement tapes. You might want to completely replace the tape technology with a hard drive or flash drive system at this point.
Proper labeling is also an important part of backing up. Be sure to label your tape or drive(s) with the date and contents.
Keep all of your program disks together so you can find them when you need them.
Copy patches, updates, and other things. If you backup only your data, you'll have to reinstall all your applications in the case of a hard disk crash and you will need the original installation CDs or DVD’s. Create a CD/DVD or copy all the latest patches, updates, upgrades and other things you download to a Flash or USB Drive. This will make reinstalling your applications much easier.
Keep your backups in a safe place. If you consider your data extremely important, you should keep a copy offsite, in a safe deposit box, a backup vaulting service, or another location protected from theft or fire. When you make two or more sets of backup data and keep an extra set in another location, you minimize the chance of data loss.

Verifying you are backing up your data makes good sense. A poor backup is like having no backup! When disaster strikes, that backup will be your most appreciated forethought.

Off-Site Backup

Off-Site Backup Systems can make your office relocation much simpler. In today's market downtime is not an option, even for an hour. The off-site backup options available today, far outperform the standard tape systems of the past.

Fact is, your data is in better hands of a professional than most businesses. Here at UNA, we strongly recommend off-site backups for a number of reasons. First off, your data integrity is checked every night that your data is backed up. The off-site data storage houses have intuitive software that allows you to backup and retrieve your data through easy to use Web Site interfaces. Second, you don t have to be concerned with flipping and replenishing tapes or cartridges. This tape technology is a thing of the past, and rightfully so, tape always required ample monitoring and maintenance to keep them running. This and last, but not least, is the fact that you automatically have an off-site backup. If the office were ever to become unavailable due to an accident or fire, or due to a weather situation or flooding, there will always be a copy of your entire system in a secure data vault neatly tucked away from your office.

For your office relocation, this is the best time to make a change from a traditional backup to a off-site backup solution. It gives you an opportunity to go through your data and manage what should and should be there. With the assistance of a qualified IT manager, this type of cleanup should be regular practice, but if you haven t done it now is the time to check out your data situation and assure you have a viable backup in case something unexpected happens to the hardware during the move. A number of off-site data backup companies are available today and are listed below for your review. We recommend working with a qualified consultant like the ones working at UNA to choose the right vendor for your needs.