Key Question for Application System Data Backup

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It is critical that a determination be made of WHAT data is important and should be retained and protected.Without determining the data to be backed up, the potential for error increases.A record or file could be vital and yet not included in a backup routine.Alternatively, temporary or insignificant files could be included in a backup routine unnecessarily.

The following answers were incorrect: When to make backupsAlthough it is important to consider schedules for backups, this is done after the decisions are made of what should be included in the backup routine.

Where to keep backupsThe location of storing backup copies of data (Such as tapes, on-line backups, etc) should be made after determining what should be included in the backup routine and the method to store the backup.

How to store backups The backup methodology should be considered after determining what data should be included in the backup routine.

When backing up an application system's data, there are several key questions that need to be answered, but the most critical question that should be addressed first is "What records to backup?".

This is because identifying what data needs to be backed up is essential in ensuring that the backup process is comprehensive and effective. Backing up too much data can be time-consuming, resource-intensive, and expensive, while backing up too little data can result in incomplete restoration or data loss.

After determining what records to back up, the next question to address is "When to make backups?". This question is crucial as it helps determine how often backups need to be performed. The frequency of backups will depend on the criticality of the data and the rate at which the data changes. For instance, data that changes frequently may need to be backed up daily or even multiple times a day, while static data may only need to be backed up weekly or monthly.

The third question is "Where to keep backups?". The location of backups is critical as it ensures that the backup data is available when needed. The backup data should be stored offsite, preferably in a secure and fireproof location, to mitigate the risk of data loss due to a disaster or theft.

The fourth question is "How to store backups?". This question addresses the method used to store the backup data, such as tape, disk, or cloud storage. The choice of backup storage method will depend on factors such as cost, security, accessibility, and scalability.

In conclusion, while all the questions are essential, the key question to be answered first when backing up an application system's data is "What records to backup?". This ensures that the backup process is comprehensive and effective. Once this question has been answered, the other questions can be addressed to ensure that the backup process is optimized and efficient.