Disaster recovery in a hybrid universe

Physical, virtual and cloud can be combined in SMB disaster recovery, argues David Blackman

Blackman: Faster data transfer for SMB backup services is possible

Virtualisation and cloud computing can both help companies get the most out of their existing server and storage infrastructure, combining physical, virtualised, and cloud infrastructures.

Information back-up and recovery plans are based on the availability of a company’s systems and the impact of downtime. For SMBs, you need ease of use, cost-effectiveness, quick implementation and flexibility. Cloud services and virtualisation can achieve this.

Online back-up services in the cloud are easy to set up and use, with a minimal learning curve. All that is required is a computer, a browser and a good internet connection. Advanced data technologies like data deduplication and compression are accelerating this process as they enable faster data transfer without the user needing to look under the bonnet to understand how it works.

In my opinion, one of the most exciting prospects will be the ability to move beyond file-based backup in the cloud. SMBs rarely have enough resources for their own data centres. In future, you will be able to implement a complete disaster recovery strategy in the cloud.

Business continuity will be easier to manage. SMBs will be able to back up and recover full files, applications and operating systems remotely.

When we turn to virtualisation, we see that businesses are shifting from a model where they used to apply for the budget to deploy physical servers, order in the hardware, rack up and then build the servers. The entire process took around three weeks.

Now, you simply right-click, clone and add a new server. You can be up and running in 30 minutes. This offers businesses flexibility and cuts costs.

Managing the transition between the environments and deciding on the best combination for your customer will help develop new disaster recovery strategies. The three platforms – physical, virtual, and cloud – may not solve every disaster recovery pain points, and who knows what will be introduced in the next 10 years. However, the hybrid environment offers flexibility, cost savings, choice and efficiencies.

David Blackman is general manager for Northern Europe at Acronis