Data Backup Glossary (Letter O)

Object-based storage device
Data Backup Glossary (Letter O)An object-based storage device (OSD) is a device that implements the standard in which data is organized and accessed as objects, where object means an ordered set of bytes (within the OSD) that is associated with a unique identifier. Objects are allocated and placed on the media by the OSD logical unit. With an OSD interface, metadata is associated directly with each data object and can be carried between layers and across storage device files. Records are no longer abstractions, but actual storage objects that are understood, managed, and secured at the device level.

Offline storage
Any storage medium that must be inserted into a storage drive by a person before it can be accessed by the computer system is considered to be a type of offline storage. Also called removable storage.

Online data storage
Also called Internet storage or hosted storage, online data storage is a data storage management solution that enables individuals or organizations to store their data on the Internet using a service provider, rather than storing the data locally on a physical disk, such as a hard drive or tape backup.

Open document management API
Open document management API (ODMA) is an open industry standard that enables desktop applications to interface with a document management system (DMS). ODMA simplifies cross-platform and cross-application file communication by standardizing access to document management through an API. ODMA allows multiple applications to access the same DMS without the need for a hard-coded link between the application and the DMS.

Operational data store
A type of database that serves as an interim area for a data warehouse in order to store time-sensitive operational data that can be accessed quickly and efficiently. In contrast to a data warehouse, which contains large amounts of static data, an operational data store contains small amounts of information that is updated through the course of business transactions. An operational data store will perform numerous quick and simple queries on small amounts of data, such as acquiring an account balance or finding the status of a customer order, whereas a data warehouse will perform complex queries on large amounts of data. An operational data store contains only current operational data while a data warehouse contains both current and historical data.

Overwrite(v.)
To record or copy new data over existing data, as in when a file or directory is updated. Data that is overwritten cannot be retrieved.
(n.) Refers to a file or directory that has been overwritten.

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Data Backup Glossary (Letter M)

Magnetic drum
A direct-access, or random-access, storage device. A magnetic drum, also referred to as drum, is a metal cylinder coated with magnetic iron-oxide material on which data and programs can be stored. Magnetic drums were once used as a primary storage device but have since been implemented as auxiliary storage devices.

Magneto-optical
Magneto-optical (MO) is a type of data storage technology that combines magnetic disk technologies with optical technologies, such as those used in CD-ROMs. Like magnetic disks, MO disks can be read and written to. And like floppy disks, they are removable. However, their storage capacity can be more than 200 megabytes, much greater than magnetic floppies. In terms of data access speed, Mo disks are faster than floppies but not as fast as hard disk drives.

Mass storage
The various techniques and devices for storing large amounts of data. Modern mass storage devices include all types of disk drives and tape drives. Mass storage is distinct from memory, which refers to temporary storage areas within the computer. Unlike main memory, mass storage devices retain data even when the computer is turned off.

Massive array of idle disks
In storage terminology a massive array of idle disks (MAID) is a technology that uses a large group of hard disk drives (hundreds or even thousands), with only those drives that are needed actively spinning at any given time. MAID is a storage system solution that reduces both wear on the drives and also reduces power consumption. Because only specific disks spin at a given time, what is not in use is literally a massive array of idle disks, which also means the system produces less heat than other large storage systems.

Mean time to repair
In data storage, mean time to repair (MTTR) is the average time before an electronic component can be expected to require repair.

Mean time until data loss
In data storage, mean time until data loss (MTDL) is the average time until a component failure can be expected to cause data loss.

Media
Plural of medium.

Objects on which data can be stored. These include hard disks, floppy disks, CD-ROMs, and tapes.

In computer networks, media refers to the cables linking workstations together. There are many different types of transmission media, the most popular being twisted-pair wire (normal electrical wire), coaxial cable (the type of cable used for cable television), and fiber optic cable (cables made out of glass).

The form and technology used to communicate information. Multimedia presentations, for example, combine sound, pictures, and videos, all of which are different types of media.

Metadata catalog service
Metadata catalog service (MCS) is a mechanism for storing and accessing descriptive metadata and allows users to query for data items based on desired attributes. MCS may be used for storing and accessing metadata about logical files.

Mixed platform environment
A heterogeneous environment that includes multiple platform types.

Mount
In the network file system (NFS), a protocol and set of procedures to specify a remote host and file system or directory to be accessed, and their location in the local directory hierarchy.

ms, MS
When spelled ms, short for millisecond, one thousandth of a second. Access times of mass storage devices are often measured in milliseconds.
When spelled MS, short for Microsoft or mobile subscribers.

Multi-platform
See heterogeneous environment.

Multi-site
Geographically dispersed; having more than one location.

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Data Backup Glossary (Letter B)

Data Backup Glossary (Letter B)Back up(v)
To make a copy of data so that the additional copy may be used to restore the original in case of data loss.

Backup(n)
A collection of data stored on (usually remote) non-volatile storage media for purposes of recovery in case the original copy of data is lost or becomes inaccessible; also called a backup copy. To be useful for recovery, a backup must be made by copying the source data image when it is in a consistent state.

Backup window
An interval of time during which a set of data can be backed up without seriously affecting applications that use the data.

BRTP
Backup and recovery transfer protocol used by the EVault® Agent.

Bare-metal restore
A bare-metal restore (BMR) is a restore in which the backed up data is available in a form which allows one to restore a computer system from “bare metal”—meaning without any requirements as to previously installed software or operating system.

Buffer credits
Formally called buffer-to-buffer credit (BBC) spoofing, and also called buffer-to-buffer credits, this technology effectively removes limitations on data throughput for long-distance transmissions in a Fibre Channel storage area network (SAN). Fibre Channel protocols usually limit the distance between the source and the destination network to within a few kilometers. Using buffer-to-buffer credits makes it possible to use offsite storage hundreds of kilometers away.

Business continuity
The ability of an organization to continue to function even after a disastrous event. Business continuity is accomplished through the deployment of redundant hardware and software, the use of fault tolerant systems, as well as a solid backup and recovery strategy.

Business continuity planning
Business continuity planning (BCP) covers both disaster recovery planning and business resumption planning. BCP is the preparation and testing of measures that protect business operations and also provide the means for the recovery of technologies in the event of any loss, damage, or failure of facilities

Business recovery team
A group of individuals responsible for maintaining the business recovery procedures and coordinating the recovery of business functions and processes. Also called a disaster recovery team.

Business recovery timeline
The chronological sequence of recovery activities, or critical path, that must be followed to resume an acceptable level of operations following a business interruption or outage. This timeline may range from minutes to weeks, depending upon the recovery requirements and methodology.

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Tips For Choosing Remote Backup Softwares/Services

Tips For Choosing Remote Backup Softwares/ServicesThree tips for selecting a remote backup software

Do you want a do-it-yourself remote backup service instead of finding a backup provider which offers solutions? Please read on below and following these tips:

  • Is this software able to backup not only data files but also your Mysql / SQL / Exchange or other mail servers? Is it possible to run on your used server operating systems?
  • How will the remote location work? You prefer to store it on a NAS and in a smart way so that not every backup will be fully stored. You should look for software which can store it on NAS and keeps track of keypoint to files or even file blocks in its own database.
  • Which transfer types does this software uses? You don’t want to use the old FTP protocol. You want a different way, and at least it should be 100% secure. So look for way of transferring files with SFTP or with a SSL certificate.

Three tips to select a remote backup service provider

  • Search on your favorite search engine(Google is recommended) for tons of remote backup services. There are so many, first selection you should make is their website. Does it look professional enough? Is there a lot informations to be found on it? The first impression when you see the website of a backup provider could be the most important key for selecting the right remote backup service.
  • Where is the remote service located? I would suggest you look for a company located in your state or country. Reason: when something goes wrong or when you want to meet them for any reason possible, you don’t want to travel a lot. You should also find out in which country the backup data will be stored, because it is remote backup, it can be stored everywhere from Russian to England to the US. Important is that they store in a location which is not to far away from the location of the original data. Reason is that when you need to do a full data recovery you do want a possibility to pick up the data with an external hard drive or other medias instead of download many Tera bytes of data over you internet connection.
  • Ask for an real life meeting, contact by email or phone is not enough. Your backup is important and so will be the remote backup services you are going to select. Make an appointment, let them make a good impression to you.

I was working for over 10 years as an ICT engineer in several large firms. I was responsible for setting up a remote backup services for in-house usage. If you want more tips and how-to’s have a look at my website about remote backup services.

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Free Backup Software: FBackup

Free Backup Software: FBackup Freeware backup software FBackup includes special plugins for most popular applications—so you don’t have to worry about which files to backup anymore, it’s all handled for you. FBackup Makes Backing Up Application Data Simpler! – lifehacker.com

Software Name: FBackup 4.5.232
Version: Publisher: www.fbackup.com
Operating system: Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista/Server 2008/7 (32 and 64-bit!)

FBackup Main Features:

  • Automatic backups
    FBackup automatically runs the backup at the scheduled date, so you’ll save precious time.
  • Backup with standard zip compression
    When you are using “full backup“, files will be archived using standard zip compression. ZIP64 compression can create zip files over 2GB in size.
  • Exact copies of files
    If you don’t want to have the files stored in one zip file, FBackup can help to make exact copies of the backup files using “mirror backup“.
  • Run actions before/after backup.
    You can define an action to execute before or after the backup.
  • Backup plugins
    You can load plugins for backing up or restoring specific program settings or other custom data (like game saves, email data, etc.).
  • Multiple backup destinations
    You can backup your data to an external USB/Firewire drive, or on a mapped network drive
  • Backup open files.
    If a file is in use by another program at the time of the backup, FBackup will still be able to back up that file.

FBackup Reviews:

This is exactly what I have been looking for – simple as MS Synctoy, yet powerful enough to enable simple mirroring. There is one drawback though – does not preview the backup actions. Unfortunately, without preview any backup might by too risky to use. Apart from that – excellent.”

It’s flexible. It can bkup my all my own files by detecting changes, so repeat backups take only a couple of minutes.

FBackup Free Download:

FBackup is a free backup software for both personal and commercial use and works on Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and 2008/2003/2000 Server (32 and 64-bit).

Download it now and start backing up your important data!

Download: FBackup 4.5.232

Note: FBackup is a free file backup software, it is not recommended for full system backup (disk image backups).

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Norton Online Backup

Norton Online Backup Norton Online Backup automatically protect and remotely store your files at their secured data centers. Norton Online Backup also provides you convenience by giving you more ways to securely access and share your files anytime you have an internet connection.

Norton Online Backup Overview:
Storage: 25GB
Operating System: Windows 7 / XP/ XP Pro / Vista /Mac OS X v10.5+
Delivery: Download
Price: $49.99/Year (Protect up to 5 PCs)
Coupon Code: 15NORTONSTORE (Get 15% off)

Norton Online Backup Main Features:

  • Delivers easy-to-use, professional-grade, backup protection for your files
  • Lets you access your files from any Internet-connected computer
  • Makes transferring files between computers a breeze
  • Works with both Windows and Mac computers
  • Simplifies file sharing
  • Lets you search backup sets for specific files by keyword
  • Saves older versions of your backed up files

How does Norton Online Backup works:
Download and install Norton Online Backup client to get started protecting documents, music, videos and digital photos with automated online backup that’s easy to use.

Norton Online Backup Reviews:

Useful Links:

Low price on Amazon.com: $19.99 (Save $30.00. This is the cheapest price. Norton Online Backup 2.0 1User/25GB )

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Top 20 Most Popular External Hard Drives on Amazon.com

External Hard Drives External hard drives are ideal for backing up your hard drive or storing additional media separately from your main hard drive. Photos, videos, and digital music have all become so popular in recent years that people need a place to put it all. CDs and DVDs do not have the capacity to hold PC backups and are not all that convenient. However, the prices of external hard drives have come down so much that they are perfect for backing up your important data.

The two most common interfaces for hooking up external drives to your computer are USB and FireWire with eSata now becoming popular also. USB has been around for years and are standard on just about all computers today while FireWire ports are newer and if you use a digital video camera with your computer you probably already have one. In terms of access speeds the latest eSata standard offers the fastest connection however that comes with a price. USB 2.0 and Firewire can cover most of your general needs without having to upgrade your system with a new eSata card. Any of the interfaces will do the job however be sure to purchase an external hard drive with the same type of port that your computer has.

WD Elements 640 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive

        (Price: $149.99 Price on Amazon.com: $98.92)

Seagate FreeAgent Go 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive

        (Price: $139.99 Price on Amazon.com: $89.00)

Iomega Prestige 1 TB USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive

        (Price: $172.99 Price on Amazon.com: $99.99)

Toshiba 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive

        (Price: $93.99 Price on Amazon.com: $82.44)

WD Elements 1.5 TB USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive

        (Price: $169.99 Price on Amazon.com: $117.82)

Toshiba 320 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive

        (Price: $99.99 Price on Amazon.com: $60.00)

WD Elements 1 TB USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive

        (Price: $129.99 Price on Amazon.com: $97.95)

WD My Passport Essential SE 1 TB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive

        (Price: $199.99 Price on Amazon.com: $149.00)

WD My DVR Expander 1 TB eSATA Desktop External Hard Drive

        (Price: $159.99 Price on Amazon.com: $129.00)

LaCie d2 Quadra Hard Disk 1 TB USB 2.0/FireWire 400/800/eSATA Desktop External Hard Drive

        (Price: $164.99 Price on Amazon.com: $154.99)

Seagate FreeAgent Go 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive

        (Price: $139.99 Price on Amazon.com: $89.00)

Seagate Expansion 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive

        (Price: $115.99 Price on Amazon.com: $79.99)

Iomega eGo Mac Edition 500 GB USB 2.0/FireWire 400/800 Portable External Hard Drive

        (Price: $140.99 Price on Amazon.com: $125.99)

Iomega Prestige 1.5 TB USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive

        (Price: $147.99 Price on Amazon.com: $119.99)

Seagate Expansion 1 TB USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive

        (Price: $115.99 Price on Amazon.com: $89.99)

Iomega Prestige 320 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive

        (Price: $115.99 Price on Amazon.com: $79.30)

Iomega Prestige 500 GB USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive

        (Price: $82.99 Price on Amazon.com: $74.44)

Seagate FreeAgent Go 250 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive

        (Price: $89.99 Price on Amazon.com: $59.82)

Seagate Expansion 250 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive

        (Price: $75.99 Price on Amazon.com: $58.99)

WD Elements 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive

      (Price: $129.99 Price on Amazon.com: $89.99)

Note: Your backup drive should have a capacity at least as big as your computer’s largest hard drive. That will leave you with plenty of room to back up your important files or mirror/clone your current drive. You can also buy an external hard drive case and mount an internal hard drive inside it. This method will give you a choice of brands and models, and if anything goes wrong with your internal hard drive, you can simply install the external one inside your computer to replace it.

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Commercial Backup Software and Utilities

VERITAS Software
Provider of data protection, storage management, high availability, and disaster recovery software.
www.veritas.com
Golden Hawk Technology
Makers of CDRWin.
www.goldenhawk.com
2BrightSparks
Developers of backup and synchronization programs that copy, sync, and restore data to local, external drive, disk, and remote storage via FTP.
www.2brightsparks.com
Dantz Development Corporation
Offering Retrospect backup software.
www.dantz.com
WinISO Software
CD-ROM image files extractor and editor enabling the conversion of BIN to ISO files.
www.winiso.com
Legato Systems
Provider of enterprise-strength storage management software for the network computing market.
www.legato.com
NovaStor
Backup and restore solutions for Windows, Novell Netware, DOS, and Mac platforms.
www.novastor.com
Centered Systems
Creators of Second Copy, a backup software package that makes duplicate copies of data files to another directory, disk, or computer.
www.centered.com
BakBone Software, Inc.
Providers of storage management and backup software.
www.bakbone.com
Handy Backup 4.1
Offers backup software that works with CDRW, FTP, and local networks featuring a flexible scheduler, file encryption, and multi-choice zip compression.
www.handybackup.net
Double-Take Software
Data replication and application recovery software. Double-Take Software products and services enable customers to protect and recover business-critical data and applications to support disaster recovery, high availability, and centralized backup.
www.doubletake.com
St. Bernard Software
Offers software for optimizing system performance, managing security vulnerability, and filtering Web access.
www.stbernard.com
Syncsort, Inc.
Develops data management software for multiple platforms. Includes backup express, an enterprise backup/restore solution, and SyncSort speeds applications.
www.syncsort.com
Handy Backup 4.0
Produced by Novosoft. A backup program designed for Windows 95/98/NT/2000/Me/XP. Flexible scheduler, strong file encryption, and multi-choice zip compression.
www.handybackup.com
ABC Backup
Offers backup software downloads. Performs automatic data backup schedule from PC to storage devices and remote FTP servers.
www.abcbackup.com
Remote Data Backups
Provides online backup services for small businesses as well as individual users.
www.remotedatabackups.com
BETA Systems
Offers a scalable set of backup, recovery, distribution, and file transfer software components.
www.betasystems.com
VisionWorks Solutions
Protect networked computers with Vision Backup and backup locked or in-use files with File Access Manager software from VisionWorks.
www.vwsolutions.com
Memopal
Provides online backup software . Any files can be protected and shared, with the ability to browse all your files online.
www.memopal.com
Active Data Recovery Software [SPONSOR]
Offers Active Disk Image, software that can backup, restore, and manage hard drive copy files.
www.disk-image.net
Barratt Edwards International Corporation (BEI)
Offers UltraBac for WindowsNT Backup Software, with information and purchasing options.
www.ultrabac.com
Cucku Backup
Automatic local backup and remote backup to a friend or second PC using Skype. Free download provides unlimited online backup with no monthly fees.
www.cucku.com
Peer Software
Peer Software products enable customers to protect and recover critical data and applications, offering solutions for disaster recovery, high availability, collaboration, distribution, and centralized backup of laptops, desktops, and servers.
www.peersoftware.com
Sepaton Virtual Tape Libraries & Data Deduplication Software
Deduplicate, backup, and restore petabytes of data at wire speed with a Sepaton virtual tape library (VTL) and data deduplication software. Find fast, scalable enterprise backup solutions from Sepaton.
www.sepaton.com
RepliWeb
Offers web content deployment, file replication, file synchronization, managed file transfer, and SharePoint replication.
www.repliweb.com
Lockstep Systems
Disk-based backup and disaster recovery software for Windows servers and PCs including Exchange Server, MS-SQL, Active Directory, and Open File Support.
www.backup-for-workgroups.com
Backup Platinum
Software featuring a scheduler, 128-bit encryption, and ZIP compression that lets users back up their data to CD-RW, DVD, hard or USB drives, FTP server, or LAN.
www.backup-platinum.com
Mobiliti, Inc.
Developers of Network/Unplugged, a synchronization and backup product for mobile and remote users.
www.mobiliti.com
LinkPro Technologies
Provides automatic disk to disk file backups, file synchronization and file replication. Fully network compatible.
www.linkpro.com
Backup Software Reviews
Offers reviews of the most popular Windows backup programs.
www.backup-software-reviews.com
Tilana Systems Corporation
Creator of Tilana Reserve backup software, offering continuous data protection, remote access, file sychronization, and data backup.
www.tilana.com
NetMass Incorporated
Offers automated backup, disaster recovery, and offsite data storage.
www.netmass.com
Software Moguls, Inc
Develops SM-arch network backup and retrieval software for a wide range of operating system platforms.
www.moguls.com
Remote Backup Systems
Offers online backup software and resources for those operating a commercial backup service.
www.remote-backup.com
Continuity Software
Data protection and disaster recovery software solutions from Continuity Software. Detects risks and infrastructure vulnerabilities in disaster recovery systems, and ensures that critical business data is truly protected.
www.continuitysoftware.com
Knox Software Corp.
Developers of Arkeia, network backup software.
www.knox-software.com
Systemix Software, Inc
Provider of NEXTSTEP software solutions, including SafetyNet tape backup application.
www.systemix.com
PHD Virtual
EsXpress VMware ESX Backup offers data protection and data recovery for virtual machines. Enables companies to perform backup and restoration of an entire virtual environment.
www.phdvirtual.com
Norton Ghost
Software for cloning and imaging your hard drive. From Symantec.
www.symantec.com/sabu/ghost/ghost_personal
ITS Systems
Offering the Transfer line of software for making backups, upgrading, or duplicating your hard drive or data.
www.itechs-systems.com
EAGLE Software, Inc.
Provides automated backup solutions and system performance utilities for UNIX and AOS/VS.
www.eaglesoft.com
Computer Engineering & Solutions
Integrated solutions for data protection and duplication, storage management, and other related products. Sales and support for tape backup, antivirus, security, HSM, CD/Disk writer/duplicator, and others.
www.ce-s.com
HICOMP
Backup software for heterogeneous networks. Hiback runs on a wide variety of platforms including UNIX’s, MPE, Windows NT, Novell, Windows 95. Supports SPA R/3.
www.hicomp.com
Quadratec
Provider of backup, restore, and archive technologies software for a variety of platforms, including UNIX, NT, VMS, and Netware. Maker of Time Navigator.
www.quadratec-software.com
Columbia Data Products, Inc.
Snapback product is a revolutionary solution for network backup and disaster recovery. Snapback performs an image backup of the server drives, so restoration of a complete server is reduced from days to under one hour in most cases.
www.cdpi.com
Backup Archive Solutions
Network storage products.
www.bas-europe.com
Optimus System Products Ltd
Suppliers of backup software for Windows NT.
www.optimus.co.uk
Reliaty
Provides data protection software founded on NDMP for backup and recovery of data.
www.reliaty.com
Natso Backup
Backup software that automatically saves all the files and directories that you choose to a local drive or FTP site.
www.natsobackup.com
Beckmann Software
Provides network backup software.
www.beckmannsoftware.com
SOS Offsite Data Storage
Provides automated off-site data backup and recovery software. SOS backs up your important information and automatically transmits it off-site to a secure facility, making it easy to retrieve your data later.
www.offsite-data-storage.com
Online Backups Review
Review of online backup services which backup your computer’s documents safely and securely.
www.onlinebackupsreview.com
Engineering Sciences & Technology (EST)
Providing Oracle database backup systems for UNIX, Novell, or NT systems.
www.esntech.com
Intelligent Solutions, Inc.
Enterprise storage solutions provider and systems integrator, specializing in storage management and data backup and recovery.
www.intel-sol.com
Recovery Solutions
Provides automated backup and retrieval software.
www.electronicvaulting.com
Backzon
Online backup utility for Windows client and server systems. Allows users to select files and directories to establish a schedule for automatic backups.
www.backazon.com
EASEUS Todo Backup
Offers software that provides system and hard disk backup and restore.
www.todo-backup.com
BackupAssist Backup Software
Offers backup software for Windows, Exchange, and SQL Servers. Also designed as a fix for NTBackup bugs and issues.
www.backupassist.com
Paragon Software
Develops utilities for hard disk backup and partitioning, drive cloning, hard disk deployment, and system recovery.
www.paragon-software.com
Healy Software
Features AS400 utilities.
aoife.indigo.ie/~healysof
AutoBackup.ca
Remote data backup and archiving service and storage solution for small and large businesses.
www.autobackup.ca

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