Understanding Server Disaster Recovery Tactics

Art — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 21:17:16 +0000

Disasters caused by mother nature or man can be catastrophic to the surrounding area; data centers are no exception. Although many backup storage facilities are utilized to try to prevent any data loss, it may never be enough.

It’s a Scary Thought

Organizations across the globe pay extra money to ensure their data held on servers is completely protected. Let’s face it; our whole life is now online. Social security, banking and address information, you name it. The loss of this data could be devastating to both individuals and organizations.

Preventative Measures

There are numerous techniques taken by data centers to ensure server disaster recovery. These include:

Future planning
Backup collocation centers
Protect the infrastructure

Future Planning

This is the most critical aspect of data recovery. In addition to all data needing to be retained, it must be done at a rapid rate. It’s important not to overlook any applications, even those that are the smallest and you think aren’t as useful. Take a top-down look at the entire infrastructure to analyze aspects that are essential and those that are not.

The most efficient plan includes speed and overall recovery. One method for quick revival is remote data replication technology. This allows anyone to backup their files from any location. Luckily it’s become affordable to small and medium sized businesses.

Backup Collocation Centers

Many major organizations, like banks, that hold vital customer information have looked to using collocation centers to further backup their data. That way if a major disaster occurs and wipes out their primary and secondary facilities, the data can be easily removed from the third center.

Protect the Infrastructure

Although protecting the servers, storage equipment and networking gear are important, when planning for disaster recovery, the entire infrastructure should be considered. This includes backup power generators, cooling systems, backbones, a mix of server software and even the staff. Standard protection of vital equipment is important, but safeguarding the whole infrastructure is the most beneficial action.

At a time when security is at an all-time high because of natural and man-made disasters, data centers are popping up across the globe. In many cases, these are second or even third-level backup locations for major corporations that deal with vital information. In the case of a disaster, they will never lose a step. If you don’t have the data, you can’t run your business so protection is imperative.

The Emergence of Green Web Hosting

Art — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:49:17 +0000

Few ever believed the internet would explode into its current state of popularity. Everyone from young to old is signing online to surf the web – communicating, shopping and seeking out entertainment. At the same time, millions of people are creating websites in attempt to meet the needs of visitors across the globe. A webmaster can’t reach their niche market without servers and the associated hardware found in today’s data centers. In order to keep the web thriving, providers must use tons of electricity, contributing to the environmental concerns plaguing the earth today. Data centers are located throughout the world, most of them allowing CO2 among other harmful emissions to pollute the atmosphere. To reduce data center emissions and help preserve the earth, a number of web hosing companies have opted to go green.

The Power Behind Green Hosting

Green web hosting was scarce a few years ago, however, recently this type of web hosting has come into the limelight. There are a handful of companies who started off 100% green while others have gradually converted. Even some of the most widely known providers have made the switch to offer a more eco-friendly web hosting product. Many begin in the office by recycling waste paper and utilizing bio-fuel for heating purposes. This leads to the data centers where servers thrive off alternative sources such as wind, solar and geothermal energy. Some have went out and purchased RECs (Renewable Energy Credits), a certification which assures the company is using alternatives forms of power.

Slowly but surely, the web hosting industry is making the transition to more efficient operations. There are a few companies that go far and beyond to make sure they deliver green hosting. For example, Green Web Hosting is one host that encourages its employees to telecommute in attempt to reduce pollutants caused by everyday transportation. Some run an entirely paperless service to cut back on the unnecessary usage of trees. Others will actually plant a new tree for each new customer they sign up. Many of them will also offer discounts to customers who aid in environmental causes with their websites. Green web hosting emerged from nowhere to become the preferred choice for an increasing amount of people.

Reliability and Performance

There are some who question the performance and overall reliability you receive with a green web hosting platform. In actuality, renewable energy is proven to be just as reliable and effective as conventional electricity. Green hosts are successfully running their businesses just as everyone else is. Like the traditional provider is equipped with electrical backup sources, these companies are prepared to produce renewable energy to keep the operation flourishing.

Is Green Web Hosting for You?

Green hosting is great for obvious reasons but not everyone is ready to convert. Some are turned off because the price varies and can be more than traditional hosting. Cost aside, you want to find a company that is reliable and provides a quality service most importantly. With the backing of a respectable green web host, you can feel good about your role in saving the earth.

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Understanding Server Disaster Recovery Tactics

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The Emergence of Green Web Hosting

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