In the age of digital transformation, a solid backup strategy is a must for organisations. Whether you are a multinational corporation or an individual with essential data, a backup plan can save you from data loss incidents.
However, the efficacy of data backup hinges heavily on the types of backup and method chosen. Additionally, variables such as storage requirements, backup time, and how easy it is to recover your data differ with each backup type.
According to recent studies, while most businesses today conscientiously backup their data, nearly one-third of these companies encounter issues when attempting to restore their backup.
Essentially, the issue often boils down to how we perceive a ‘backup strategy’. For many, a backup strategy begins and ends with determining what to back up. Nonetheless, the pivotal element lies in deciding what type of backup to use.
Read More: Data Backup vs Data Archiving: 5 Major Differences To Know
Types of Backup
There are three main types of backup, which are full, differential, and incremental backups. Let’s delve deeper to learn about these types of backup and how they differ.
Full Backup
- The most comprehensive type of backup is a full backup, which involves creating an exact copy of the source data set.
- A full backup is often considered the go-to backup method for its simplicity and speedy recovery process. With a full backup, you can rest assured that restoring your data will be quick and relatively simple.
- Nevertheless, full backups are not without their shortcomings. As it involves making a complete copy of the data, this process can be highly time-consuming, placing a significant load on network resources and disk space each time a backup runs.
- Notably, full backups consume considerable storage space, prompting organisations to carry out full backups only periodically. Consequently, most companies incorporate other types of backups into their data protection and retention strategy.
Read More: The Risks Of Data Overload: Can You Have Too Much Data?
Incremental Backup
- An incremental backup presents a resource-friendly alternative to a full backup.
- This type of backup targets all files that have been changed since the last backup, regardless of whether it was a full or incremental backup. Therefore, companies can flexibly execute this type of backup as frequently as desired, storing only the most recent changes.
- However, each incremental backup made since the last full backup must be applied during data restoration, which can be time-consuming.
Differential Backup
- A differential backup, another variant, saves data that has been modified since the initial full backup or the most recent full backup.
- This backup type holds an advantage over incremental backups in terms of restoration speed. A differential backup only requires two pieces of backup for data recovery – the full backup and the latest differential backup.
Read More: Backup and Disaster Recovery, how they work hand-in-hand
Choosing the Right Type of Backup Strategy for You
Navigating the complex world of data backup can seem daunting. However, the key is understanding your business’s unique needs and choosing a backup strategy that aligns with them.
When selecting a backup type – full, incremental, or differential -there are several factors to consider.
1. Data Recovery Requirements
Full backups offer the quickest restoration but consume significant time and storage for each backup process. If quick recovery is paramount and storage isn’t a constraint, a full backup could be your go-to strategy.
On the other hand, if you are short on storage and network bandwidth, the incremental or differential backup approach could work better.
Read More: Stop Using Old Data Backup Systems: Protect Your Data
2. Backup Frequency
If your data often changes or you experience data loss frequently, it could harm your business operations. In such cases, running incremental backups more often could be beneficial.
Differential backups offer a balanced approach for environments where data does not change as rapidly.
3. Storage Capacity
If storage isn’t a concern, full backups can provide the most straightforward route to data recovery. Conversely, choosing incremental or differential backups can help optimise your storage resources if storage is limited.
However, businesses rarely rely on just one type of backup. It’s often about striking a balance, sometimes a combination of full, incremental, and differential backups. Nevertheless, this depends on your data size, change rate, recovery objectives, and storage capacity.
Read More: A Checklist for Selecting the Right Backup Software and Backup Service Provider
Securing Your Data with Aegis’ Comprehensive Backup Solutions
Understanding the basics of full, incremental, and differential backup is essential for anyone seeking to implement an effective backup strategy. Each type has unique strengths and considerations, and the optimal choice largely depends on your specific requirements and resources.
At Aegis, we understand that every business has unique needs and backup requirements. That’s why our solutions are tailored to suit a range of business sizes and industries.
With our extensive experience and comprehensive backup solutions, you can rest easy knowing your data is protected. Let us help you navigate your backup strategy, ensuring your business data is safe and recoverable whenever needed.
