A solid backup strategy limits data loss and downtime. Define RTO and RPO per service, then combine full, incremental, and snapshot-based backups. Store copies off-server and test restore regularly.
RTO and RPO
- RPO (recovery point objective): How much data loss is acceptable? Drives backup frequency.
- RTO (recovery time objective): How quickly must the service be back? Drives restore and failover design.
- Define both per service; critical systems need tighter RPO and RTO.
Backup types
- Full: Complete copy; simple to restore but slower and heavier. Use weekly or monthly.
- Incremental: Only changes since last backup; faster and smaller. Restore requires full + incrementals.
- Snapshot: Point-in-time copy on the same or linked storage; fast but not a substitute for off-site copies.
Combine full with incremental or snapshots so you have recent recovery points without storing everything every time.
Where to store
- Off-server: So a single failure does not take both production and backup.
- Another region or provider: For disaster recovery.
- Encrypt backups and control access; test restore from off-site at least periodically.
Summary
Define RTO and RPO; combine full, incremental, and snapshot backups; store copies off-server and in another region. Test restore regularly.
