General Information

All computer users know they should back up their data. However, fully half of business computer users never back up at all. Reasons are many and varied, but here are some of the most common:

1) You think it'll never happen to you. Oh, yes it will. It happens to EVERYBODY, sooner or later. Do you really think your hard drive will last forever? Fixed disk errors are a fact of life with computers. Sometimes errors are minor, damaging only one file, and sometimes they are major, wiping out the entire disk. These spinning metal platters with heads floating precariously close have become deceptively reliable for the complicated and intricate nature of the technology. It's easy to be lulled into complacency - Don't be.

2) It takes too long. Not any more. Modern devices can store tremendous amounts of data, cost effectively. And they can be scheduled to run after hours.

3) You don't know how. This isn't as trite as it sounds. Performing a proper backup is more than just copying groups of files to diskettes or tapes. It involves selecting which groups of files need to be backed up and when; verifying and properly dating backups; maintaining the proper rotation of redundant backup copies; modifying the backup strategy as your use of your computer evolves; adding new file groups as you add new programs; and periodically updating your disaster recovery plan. We can show you how!

4) You forget. In the heat of business, when daily tasks must by necessity be prioritized, backups sometimes end up being scheduled in importance somewhere between emptying the waste basket and sharpening pencils. Backup time is often the end of the day when you want nothing more than to just get out of there. Staying late to do a backup just isn't in the plans.

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What if you already do your own backups? Datasafe can still help. We have found that most people who do their own backups often fail in one of the following ways:

1) They don't have an adequate disaster plan. This is a plan designed NOW, to be implemented quickly and automatically if there is a catastrophic loss. It is designed to eliminate planning after a loss, when your time is better spent recovering.

2) They don't do regular backups. Regular backups are essential to a proper backup strategy. Most business people are very busy with running their business and don't seem to remember to back up regularly.

3) They don't take their backups off site. People who are able to do backups on a semi-regular schedule practically always leave their backups at the office, where they can be destroyed in a fire right along with their working data.

4) They don't back up the right files. Many people who do regular backups don't back up enough files, or back up too many files of the wrong kind. Some files don't ever change. These only have to be backed up and verified once. Some files change regularly and should be backed up often. As your use of your computer changes, you should also change your backup strategy.

5) They don't realize their backup is not any good. It's easy to assume your backup has been done properly and reliably, only to find out later that your diskettes or tapes are damaged, and your backup is worthless. A proper backup strategy takes into account the possibility of damaged media and solves the problem with redundant copies, integrity checks, and benchmark archives.

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Fixed disk errors happen regularly as a normal function of its operation. That is why operating systems contain automatic functions to help recover from errors, and fixed disk drives themselves have "error maps" built in to keep track of all the errors as they develop.

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Many people don't realize that the value of their data can easily far exceed the value of their computer system itself. Suppose, for example, you have a generic microcomputer, VGA monitor, and laser printer- altogether worth approximately $2,600.

If you pay someone $7.00 per hour to enter data, say, accounts receivable, payable, payroll, etc., you spend (taxes and all) approximately $1350 per month for that data. In two months you have spent the value of your computer for data entry alone. The actual value of your data is quite higher than this, however, because of its intrinsic value to your business.

What if you lost it, suddenly, without warning? What would be the cost to your company in lost data entry time, lost billing, and recovery time? What if some of your data simply could not be replaced?

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Please note, in an effort to keep costs reasonable, all drop offs and pick ups are scheduled.

Amarillo Datasafe		(806) 356-8599 Voice
3101 Hobbs Suite 109		(806) 356-9597 Fax
Amarillo, Texas 79109		info@amarillodatasafe.com