Research Paper on Database Backup And Disaster Planning (Research Paper Sample)

DATABASE BACKUP AND DISASTER PLANNING
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Abstract
This paper will provide a description of database back and disaster planning. Besides the paper will provide a comparison and contrast between database backup and disaster planning and finally, it will highlight the importance of the integration of both backups and disaster planning and the impact if both are not effectively executed.
Database backup
Database backup refers to making copies of data in a database for either important parts of the database or the entire database to other storage location for recovery or for the purposes of performance (Hagg, 2002). For instance, database backup is always meant to provide safeguard against various errors, failures of the system and any unexpected loss of data. Therefore, in such an event when the original data is lost, then the backup files can be retrieved and used for reconstruction of the database. On the other hand, database backup can be used to facilitate retention of data which defines which data will be retained or stored.
Furthermore, database backup is known to hold at least one copy of important data in the original database. However, it becomes difficult at times to decide which type of data should be kept as backup up and how the storage should be put into use which demands proper structuring of the storage and can be facilitated by data repository. Furthermore, there are numerous data storage devices that can provide effective database backup and these include; external hard drive, storage disk and online storage system. However, before transferring data to such storage locations, a number of tasks should be performed and these include; data selection, extraction of data as well as manipulation. Besides, while data is being transferred to various locations for backup, there is need to carry out data optimization which is done through open files, de-duplication, compression as well as encryption which ensures that the data being backed up us secured void of unauthorized access.
There are two types of database backup and these include logical backup and physical backup. For instance, logical backup entails logical data like tables retained procedures among others (Geis, 2000). Besides, logical backups are known to work as supplements of physical backups. On the other hand, physical backup entails physical back up of data directly from source database through some recovery manager application utility (Geis, 2000). These two types of database backup are based on two database criterion that include; consistent backup and inconsistent backup. Consistent backup is where database files are backed up with all changes at certain point of time which may not demand explicit recovery implementation. On the other hand, inconsistent database backup is where database files are made after some abnormal shutdown of the database or incase the database is open. Besides, in case more than one database file is physically damaged then media recovery technique is used for database recovery and backup. And on the other hand, total media recovery is mostly used to execute database backup for the entire database, table spaces as well as data base contrary to partial media recovery that is used to back up the data base but not table spaces and data files.
 Disaster Planning
Disaster planning refers to systematic procedures that clearly stipulate what needs to be done, when, how and by whom before and after the time an anticipated disaster even takes place (Geis, 2000). Disaster planning is very essential considering the fact that when disaster strikes, the planning helps organization to remain safe with copies of critical data that are essential in the daily operation of the organization. Disaster planning entails the following; establishment of internal recovery strategies which entails having more than one facility with similar hardware which should be configured to run similar hardware as well as software applications when need arises (Geis, 2000). This type of strategy ensures that when disaster strikes and the IT infrastructure is destroyed in one facility, the other facility can be used to restore functionality for the entire organization.
Another disaster planning strategy is the consideration for vendor support recovery. This refers to those vendor or companies that have the capability of providing reliable sites for IT disaster recovery. Such sites are considered fully configured with data centers consisting of commonly used hardware and software products which enable organizations to store their data on these sites and incase of any disaster, the organization that use these sites able to retrieve their information. For instance, data streams, security services as well as application can easily be hosted and managed by reliable vendors and the information hosted at the vendor sites can be accessed at the primary business site or any other clientele facility using web browser and incase if any form of outage is detected by the vendor at the client’s sites, the vendor will take the initiative of holding data until the restoration of the clients system (Geis, 2000). Planning to incorporate such vendors to disaster by management is very essential since it will not only help to back up the data but to provide other services like data filtering, detection of computer malware threats which can help to enhance cyber security for the organization.
For instance, organizations can put in place the disaster ...