Introduction
Shared storage environments like network attached storage (NAS) devices and storage area networks (SANs) provide centralized data storage and backup capabilities for multiple users and systems. However, backing up shared storage comes with unique challenges that require careful planning and implementation. In this article, I will provide tips to help you develop an effective backup strategy for shared storage.
Evaluate Your RTO and RPO
The first step is determining your recovery time objective (RTO) and recovery point objective (RPO). The RTO is how quickly you need to restore operations after a failure, while the RPO defines how much data loss is acceptable. For example, you may need a 1 hour RTO and a 4 hour RPO. These objectives will dictate how frequently backups run and how long restores can take. Define them clearly at the outset.
Choose Appropriate Backup Software
Look for backup software built for shared storage environments. Features like global deduplication and synthetic full backups optimize storage usage and backup speed for SANs and NAS. Also ensure the software integrates cleanly with hardware snapshots and replication features. Test compatibility thoroughly before purchase.
Schedule Backups Around Peak Usage
Schedule backups during periods of low activity to avoid resource contention. Coordinate schedules across applications so backups don’t all run simultaneously. For example, stagger database and file server backups to distribute load. Also set policies to prevent backups from starting when systems are heavily utilized.
Implement Proper Retention Policies
Determine how long backup data needs to be retained based on compliance requirements. For short-term restores, keep a few weeks of backups on fast primary storage. Move older backups to cheaper secondary storage to retain them for years while minimizing cost. Test that you can successfully restore from secondary storage locations.
Perform Regular Test Restores
Periodically restore backup copies to isolated test environments as validation. This reveals any problems with the backups before you actually need to restore for real recovery scenarios. It also provides opportunities to test and improve your overall recovery procedures.
Monitor Backup Health
Use reporting tools to monitor the status of backup jobs across all systems. Quickly identify any failed backups and determine the root cause. Configure alerts for backup failures or nearing capacity limits so you can promptly address issues.
Conclusion
Backing up shared storage takes more planning, but following these tips will help you implement a robust backup strategy capable of meeting defined RTOs and RPOs. Take the time to evaluate available software, optimize backup scheduling, implement retention policies, validate restores, and monitor overall health. The investment will pay off the first time you need to rapidly restore lost data from a recent backup.
