Alternatives to Tape Backup
A Backup Article Contributed by Melissa Larose
Alternatives to Tape Backup
Tape backup has been at the forefront of backup systems from the beginning of backup. At one time it was the only choice to make. The original system was reel-to-reel tape, which of course is antiquated and cumbersome. Today, tape storage comes in all shapes and sizes and the tape is contained within cassettes for better protection of the tape itself. There are dozens of tape formats to choose from today.
Tape Backup As a Backup Media
Let's face it, loads of data just do not fit on a floppy disk no matter how hard you try to visualize it. We have all been disappointed at one time or another when we have realized that the files we need to save to a floppy are just too large for the endeavor to complete itself. That is so for large amounts of data storage, hence, tape's rein as king of backup media. CD's and DVD's as well as zip disks fair better than our floppy friend but still have their limitations.
As tape manufacturing adapts and grows to the needs of its users things just keep getting simpler as far as storage goes. The creed should be more data to store means less tapes to track as that is the direction the tape backup industry appears to be going. As a storage media, tape still reins.
Factors in choosing the correct type of tape depend on several factors. The kinds of data to be stored, the size of the files to be stored, the volume per day needing to be stored, and the number and speed of the hard drives that the tape will backup from all have some bearing on the type of tape to purchase. Large amounts of data and a small window of backup time will require one solution. Frequency of restoration may require another.
Tape Backup Won't Rein Forever
The truth is that tape has begun losing its hold as the reigning king of backup storage. In fact, it has lost ground for several years now. With the advent of the zip drive and the CD-ROM as storage media's tape began losing its hold. Some companies prefer the convenience of other media over the stability of the tape and storage needs vary greatly among businesses as well as backup needs and disaster recovery plans.
Now companies are using more and more online backup methods. These require large amounts of server facilities and no tape. Companies encrypt their data, authenticate it and contract with a service company to load their data via networks to off site server locations. There the data waits for recovery needs.
Tape Backup Hangs Around
Tape backup is not going anywhere soon no matter what all the hype is telling you. Yes, tape has issues and yes it can be a cumbersome media to deal with. But for the sheer amount of storage available you still can't get your money's worth with any other media. Tape reins as king of storage media for a while longer.
