Backupned comparison guide
Everything you need to know about tape backup
- Our 12 tape backup options clearly explained
- Why tape backups are better than cloud and disk
- A thank you from our founder
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in our offsite backup service?
Our full-service offsite backup provision comprises the supply and labelling of tapes, their (online or offline) transport, tape handling at the client and in our depot, secure storage, data recovery and certified destruction of tapes.
Do you ever lose a tape?
No, every handling activity is recorded and archived for as long as the tape is in our care. No tape has ever been lost in our 25-year history.
Do tapes need to be “treated” while they are being stored (e.g. rewound/replaced) to ensure that their condition does not deteriorate?
No, the quality of LTO tapes from type LTO5 onwards means that is not necessary. The manufacturer does not make this a condition for meeting the guarantee period it offers either.
What is the lifespan of a tape in your depot?
In combination with the right climate conditions in our underground offsite backup depot, the manufacturer guarantees a lifespan of up to 30 years for tapes.
Do I need to take additional measures before making use of your offsite backup services?
To be sure that the tape in question can be read again after a long time, we advise that the tape is analysed prior to being stored. The analysis can assess whether the data has been correctly written to tape, which is essential for correct data recovery. In addition, a catalogue can be created to enable the data you require to be traced quickly and correctly. Backupned recommends that you keep your data mover or back-up software package versions up to date and include them in the back-up process description to ensure that you get the right version should you need to restore or recover your data.
Which measures are taken to prevent an unauthorised person from retrieving a tape from you?
We advise all our clients to provide an authorisation procedure. It must state who is authorised to retrieve a tape and when that can be done. An escalation procedure including details of the authorisation levels you desire can be linked to this process.
How is the safety and security of my tapes guaranteed?
In terms of construction: by means of safely storing them in underground, former nuclear bunkers. Electronically: by means of a BORG-certified security system combined with a real-time camera detection system placed at strategic spots in and around the depots. The entrance to the offsite backup depots and to the separate vaults where the tapes are kept are compartmentalised and equipped with electronic access control and registration.
What is the minimum and maximum number of tapes I can store with you?
You can use our offsite backup service even if you only have one tape, but that can be extended to some 50,000 tapes per client.
What are your retention periods?
You decide on your own retention periods on the basis of your own company policy, compatible with the retention periods set by the legislator. We can meet every request.
Can I hand over my data management to you too?
Of course, when you are ready, we will manage the data for the retention period you define for each data set. When these periods come to an end, we will destroy these data carriers in accordance with a meticulous certified process.
Do I need to buy and maintain my own hardware to make use of your services?
Our clients are not confined to an on-premises solution, in which Backupned collects your physical data carriers and keeps them safe. We also provide an “as-a-Service model” which includes data storage, back-ups and archiving to make your life easier.