By WD Guest Blog 1

From a small office environment to the most expansive of enterprises, backing up data is important simply because data is important. As data backup technology has evolved, migrating from tape to hard disk drives, an alternative backup category—purpose-built backup appliances (PBBAs)—has emerged to join existing backup methods.

There are three main types of data backup techniques:

Software Applications – ideal for companies requiring extensive customization

With PBBAs existing only since 2006, the most universal solution before them was backup using a software application. With software backups, a company typically would license the software, acquire and configure the necessary hardware and operating system, and then install the backup server before being able to initiate the backup process.

Virtual Appliances – fastest to provision; more customization flexibility than PBBAs

Subsequent to PBBAs, another option is the delivery of backup servers as virtual appliances that take the firmware that would otherwise exist within a PBBA along with a pre-configured operating system and deploy it on a hypervisor, by way of either Hyper-V, VMware or other brand.

Purpose-Built Backup Appliances – fully engineered solutions; excellent for companies with limited IT staff and available technical expertise

PBBAs exist today because hard drives have become both efficient and effective targets for backups. As standalone backup servers with integrated storage targets, PBBAs are always connected to a network to access the machines they are to protect.

The change in business requirements is a significant trend driving PBBA adoption. In the past, most companies had only a single data center with all backups performed there by a dedicated IT staff in one location, but most companies today have multiple offices where data is created and each of these offices requires its own backup infrastructure.

Another trend relevant to network backup is the increasing preference of IT organizations to buy appliances from a single vendor rather than building their own solutions. Buying an appliance from a single vendor makes solution deployment faster as well as simpler to support. It is also a reflection of the “one throat to choke” strategy in keeping things accountable to a single vendor when issues arise.

As companies seek to maximize efficiency, reduce costs and simplify management of network backup, each of the three methods offer different options to consider. For maximum customization, software applications are a best choice, and for fastest deployment, virtual appliances may be preferable. PBBAs offer easily deployed backup solutions that do not require dedicated IT staff.

VARs can be a tremendous resource in helping businesses navigate the myriad options, offering guidance on speed and ease of provisioning, customization, security, cost and, ultimately, scalability.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to network backups and even the most ideal program implemented today can be outgrown as a company’s needs change over time. Given the variety and complexity of hardware and software to consider, a best practice for data backup is the selection of a knowledgeable VAR capable of serving as a trusted partner to support a company as its network backup requirements dictate to provide multiple, secure and scalable options.