SME data backup

Backing up company-critical and customer-specific data has long been a key factor for business success. To determine the most suitable backup strategy for your organization, you must first clarify which data needs to be protected, how frequently backups should occur, and how much downtime your business can tolerate in the worst-case scenario. If you implement differential backups, even frequent changes to your data can be reliably secured within short timeframes.

What is a Differential Backup?

A differential backup is a method in which all changes made since the last full backup are saved. Initially, a complete backup is created and stored on a data carrier. Any subsequent changes are then backed up separately, but each new differential backup includes all modifications made since the last full backup. This approach ensures that, at any point, you only need the most recent full backup and the latest differential backup to restore your data.

Differential backups allow you to save relevant data more quickly and efficiently handle a high volume of data changes. However, this method requires significant storage capacity, as each differential backup contains all changes since the last full backup, leading to some unavoidable data redundancy.

How Does Differential Backup Compare to Other Backup Types?

The simplest backup method is the full backup, where all existing data is backed up at regular intervals, such as every Friday. While this approach is straightforward, it demands substantial storage space and time. In the event of data loss, only the most recent backup is needed for restoration, but only the data from that backup will be available.

A classic variation of the full backup is the grandfather-father-son principle. In this system, backups are created at different intervals—daily (“son”), weekly (“father”), and monthly (“grandfather”). For example, a daily full backup is overwritten each day, while a weekly backup is preserved until the end of the month, and a monthly backup is kept for a year. This method intentionally creates long-term redundancies, requiring more storage and time, but it increases data security and recovery options.

Another common approach is the incremental backup. Here, only the changes made since the last backup—whether full or incremental—are saved. For instance, after a full backup on the weekend, changes made on Monday are backed up incrementally, and Tuesday’s backup only includes changes since Monday, and so on. This method is storage-efficient but requires all incremental backups plus the last full backup for a complete restore.

Differential backups, in contrast, save all changes since the last full backup with each new backup, not just the changes since the previous day. This means that, for restoration, you only need the last full backup and the latest differential backup, making the process faster and simpler. Whether you choose incremental or differential backups depends on the importance and security classification of your data. If you need to restore a specific file, it is also quicker to locate it using just two backup sets.

Considerations for Your Company’s Backup Strategy

Differential backups are especially valuable for companies that frequently update their data and require continuous protection. It is essential to clearly define the security classification of the data to be backed up—such as order data or customer records. You should also assess how much storage space is available and determine the appropriate backup intervals (hourly, daily, or weekly). Additionally, you must decide when to perform full backups. Depending on your data volume and business needs, you can then evaluate whether differential backup is the optimal solution.

Restoring a Differential Backup: How Does It Work?

To restore data from a differential backup, you simply need the most recent full backup and the latest differential backup. The restoration process involves combining the data from both backups, ensuring a quick and reliable recovery.

Differential Backup on Tapes: Is It a Long-Term Solution?

Magnetic tapes can store large volumes of data—typically around 3–4 terabytes per tape. When their integrity is checked regularly, tapes offer a secure and space-efficient backup medium. They are less susceptible to mechanical damage than hard disks, but they are still vulnerable to electromagnetic interference. To maintain data integrity, tapes should be re-copied every 5–6 years to prevent data loss due to demagnetization.

Differential Backup to External Hard Drives

Saving differential backups to an external hard drive is a practical way to protect against data loss from technical failures or unauthorized access. For smaller companies, it is advisable to store backup media—such as tapes and hard drives—in secure locations like safe deposit boxes. Larger organizations may benefit from dedicated, secured storage rooms.

Differential Backup: Managing the Archive Bit

Differential backups rely on the use of the archive bit to track which files have changed. When a file is modified, the archive bit is set, indicating that it needs to be backed up. After the backup, the archive bit remains set (unlike incremental backups, where it is cleared), ensuring that all changed files since the last full backup are included in each differential backup.

Langmeier Backup: The Right Solution for Every Company

Are you searching for a reliable and user-friendly data backup solution for your business? Langmeier offers a range of backup solutions for companies. Langmeier’s tools are suitable for RAID data backup, EDP backup copies, and Microsoft backup environments. The business package is ideal for large enterprises but is also a practical and accessible solution for small businesses. No matter which backup option you choose, Langmeier provides a solution tailored to your company’s needs, ensuring your long-term success.

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