The subject of backup strategies range from the simple/straight forward approach to the very complex.

In general, it is not wise to backup data onto the same physical disk as the data one is trying to backup. This is mainly due to the fact that if the disk encounters either a physical or software error, the likelihood of being able to recover from that drive is greatly diminished.

The more redundant and physically diverse one makes one backup files, the greater the probability of being able to successfully recover data from a backup file.

There are many factors which come into play when designings one backup strategy. Some of the factors are listed below:

• How volitile is the data?
• Is the data static or dynamic?
• Does the data remain unchaged?
• Can the data be rebuilt from the original sources.
• What is the cost of recreating the data:
• In personnel time
• Is the data available and/or can the data be recreated?
• Loss productivity to the business
• Loss perception from your customer base
• What are the physical limitations to the computer environment
• Stand alone system
• Networked environment
• What is the dollar cost of purchasing other backup hardware/software?
• What is the allowable time from when a Restore task is requested till when it is successfully completed.