Most small businesses require a simple backup procedure for their data. Most often this procedure can be accomplished by using the Windows Backup Utility provided with the professional and server versions of the Windows operating system. When using a network, it is best to have all data stored in one physical location such as a server, which allows the backup to be easily configured and scheduled to run on a regular basis. It is easy to provide a file folder for each department to save data specific to their operation. But when you must rely on users saving their emails and other documents generated on individual desktop computers to one central location it's not so easy. Although it can be somewhat complicated to set up, we strive to make doing this transparent to the individual user, through redirecting file open/save locations and moving critical data directories that would normally be stored on a local hard drive to the server for protection and daily backup. Once configured, should an individual PC crash or need replacement, up to date data can be accessed immediately once a machine is repaired or replaced, without the usual data loss associated with such an event.

In the past, cumbersome, slow magnetic tapes were the only reasonable medium for backing up large amounts of data. Today, large hard drives have become so inexpensive that it is feasible to setup disk-based backups and central repositories to handle an extremely high volume of data backups and restore points. No matter the size of your business, data generated through daily operation is perhaps your most valuable asset. Aside from serving your customers, your highest priority is to ensure that you have accurate and reliable backup procedures.

Critical areas to back up:

• File storage
• Active Directory/Domain settings/Group Policies
• Database (SQL, Exchange, Access, and others)
• Web servers
• Other data unique to your network configuration and application software.