Backup Tape Usage and Replacement Schedule

During the tape backup process, the tape backup media is moved across read/write heads, alignment rollers and drive rollers. Each pass through the tape drive wears away a small amount of the oxide coating used to store the data. A worn tape may backup and verify without error only to fail when a file needs to be restored.




Backup Tape Usage and Replacement ScheduleDuring the tape backup process, the tape backup media is moved across read/write heads, alignment rollers and drive rollers.  Each pass through the tape drive wears away a small amount of the oxide coating used to store the data.  A worn tape may backup and verify without error only to fail when a file needs to be restored.    The trick is to maximize the use of the tape without allowing it to wear out.


Our recommended backup tape usage and replacement schedule is derived from input from hundreds of users, tape and drive manufacturers' recommended replacement schedules, and years and years of monitoring tape life and backup integrity. 

In short..It works.

The schedule includes, at any time, 12 tapes.  The tapes are labeled as follows:

1) Monday                                 5) Friday 1                  9)  Quarter 1

2) Tuesday                                 6) Friday 2                 10) Quarter 2

3) Wednesday                             7) Friday 3                 11) Quarter 3

4) Thursday                                8) Friday 4                 12) Quarter 4

The Monday through Thursday tapes are used as expected.  On Fridays, one of 4 tapes is used.  The Friday 1,2,3 and 4 tapes are used consecutively so that you always have a backup more than 1 week old.  We have witnessed situations where a virus has infected a network, and corrupted files.  Only going back to a pre-infection backup allows rebuilding of such files, and it often takes a few days to detect or identify such infections.

The quarter 1,2,3 and 4 tapes are used at the end of each of your fiscal quarters.  These tapes are usually tapes close to the end of their service life.  This will be the last use for this tape.

This rotation schedule requires purchasing four new tapes each year.  At the time of purchase, the tapes are rotated into different roles.  Each Friday tape is set aside awaiting a quarterly backup role.  Monday to Thursday tapes are advanced to Friday 1, 2, 3, and 4 roles.  4 new tapes are introduced into the Monday - Thursday roles.

This schedule involves using each tape 66 times.  We have found this to be a reasonable life expectancy for most backup tapes.  The schedule gives you several levels of protection should a loss or corruption occur.

Keep in mind the tapes need to be kept warm and dry and at least the weekly and quarterly tapes off site.

Backup Software

You won't have to worry about losing valuable data again if you find the best backup software for your home or office. Whether your main concern is to keep a copy of all your documents or to encode sensitive information, you can find the best backup software that contains the best of both of these features and more. Backup software may not always be cheap, but it is an essential investment for preserving and protecting valuable information.

If security is your main concer...
You won't have to worry about losing valuable data again if you find the best backup software for your home or office. Whether your main concern is to keep a copy of all your documents or to encode sensitive information, you can find the best backup software that contains the best of both of these features and more. Backup software may not always be cheap, but it is an essential investment for preserving and protecting valuable information.

If security is your main concern, there is backup software that has five different encryption alogrithms that protect your data against hackers. You can also have the file name encrypted for added security. It is easy to add new folders, and you can build your files at the click of a mouse.

The best backup software will:

• Create a backup program
• Choose files for backup
• Define compression settings
• Choose target of the backup

You can have all of your files backed up automatically, or you can pick and choose files to back up. Changes can be made constantly, and most backup software is flexible enough to accommodate multiple versions of the same document or selected revisions. If you want to conserve space, you can select the highest level of compression to make more room. It is also easy to choose which location you want you files stored, whether it is in:

• Hard drive
• USB stick
• Network Folder
• CD
• DVD
• Remote FTP Server

Most backup software employs automatic backup programs that will store your information as it is created. You can choose scheduled backup instead, if you prefer. It is possible to store multiple versions of a document and the wizard feature restores files to their original folders.

Backup software may also contain other features that are helpful, such as virus scanning and disaster recovery. Anti-virus features will help prevent file-destroying crashes from infecting your computer, and disaster recovery will help get your computer up and running again if it does happen to crash. Backup software will ensure that your files will be intact even if your computer temporarily ceases to function.

There are many who simply to backup their files manually on a floppy disk or a CD rather than purchasing backup software. However, these devices have a somewhat short shelf life, and will tend to wear out even if they are not used excessively. It would be a major disappointment to believe that your files are safely backed up when they fail to appear when needed. The sheer effort required to cut and paste and to edit your files for backup will probably cost you in terms of work hours much more than a rather modest investment in backup software. Everything is done automatically with backup software, and there is less likelihood that you will fail to backup certain files due to an oversight.

Backup software varies in price and quality, so it is worth doing substantial research before making your final investment. Some might find that security is more of a priority, whereas others are looking for backup software that will provide them with maximum space. Still others ar searching for the lowest prices on backup software. It is definitely worth it to take advantage of trial offers and demos when they are offered. This will enable you to decide on the backup software that is right for you.