SME data backup

Secure and legally compliant retention and storage of information are subject to increasingly stringent regulations. Regular backups of critical data are therefore essential for any business. Data loss can result in significant financial and operational setbacks. To help you identify the optimal solution for your organization, we introduce the concept of incremental backup and compare it with other data backup methods.

What Exactly Is an Incremental Backup?

An incremental backup is a data backup method in which only the data that has changed since the last complete backup is saved, and each backup is stored as a separate unit. For example, if you perform a full backup on Sunday, all data—including software and the current state of the operating system—is backed up in its entirety. On Monday, any changes—such as updates to customer records, new orders, or modifications to bank details—are backed up separately. This process continues throughout the week, with each day's changes saved incrementally. By the end of the week, you will have a complete backup from Sunday and, for example, five incremental backups—one for each subsequent day. In the event of a disaster, all these backups are required to fully restore your system.

Incremental data backup is especially beneficial if your company frequently processes data changes, handles numerous transactions, or receives a high volume of orders that need to be backed up immediately, while also minimizing storage requirements. The main drawback is that restoring your system requires all incremental backups from the week, as well as the last full backup.

How Does Incremental Backup Differ from Other Backup Types?

One alternative is to perform a full backup every day, meaning your entire system—including all data—is backed up daily. This approach simplifies recovery and management, as all data is stored in a single location. However, it demands significantly more storage capacity compared to incremental backups.

Another method is the differential backup. In this approach, all new and changed data since the last full backup is saved each day. For example, if you perform a full backup on Sunday, the differential backup on Friday will contain all changes made from Monday to Friday. In case of a system failure, you only need the last full backup and the most recent differential backup to restore your data. The choice between incremental and differential backups depends on your available storage capacity and the level of effort you are willing to invest in the recovery process.

Another widely used strategy is the grandfather-father-son principle. In this system, a full backup is performed monthly (the "grandfather"), weekly backups are created (the "father"), and daily backups (the "son") are made either as full or incremental backups. This layered approach ensures that, even if daily or weekly backups are lost, the monthly backup remains available for recovery. This method, also known as the generation principle, provides an additional layer of security for your data.

Incremental Backup on Windows 10 & Windows 7

Langmeier offers a range of tools for creating incremental backups on Windows 10 and Windows 7. Both open and hidden backup images can be mounted as drives—even without system repair after restoration—making backup management and configuration straightforward. With the latest software, Langmeier Backup 9.1, you can easily back up browser bookmarks and Outlook mailboxes. Backups can be scheduled to run automatically, and saving your data incrementally, differentially, or as a full backup requires just a few clicks. Integration with business applications is possible via VBScript, and alternative storage media are fully supported.

Centralized backup protocols, 256-bit encryption, and the option to store data in ZIP archives further simplify and secure your backup process. With Langmeier, creating an incremental backup on Windows 10 is both quick and user-friendly.

Incremental Data Backup: Use Cases and Suitable Storage Media

Incremental backups are particularly well-suited for companies that handle constant data changes. Examples include incoming and outgoing invoices, orders, and updates to customer, employee, or supplier records—data whose loss could have serious consequences. Sensitive information, which increases your company's attractiveness to cybercriminals, should also be backed up securely and at short intervals. To ensure maximum security, backup media should be stored separately from the original files and protected from external threats. Bank safe deposit boxes or specially secured rooms are ideal for this purpose. Since incremental backups require both the last full backup and all subsequent incremental backups for restoration, it is important to manage storage accordingly.

If you wish to perform an incremental backup, you have several storage options. External hard drives or specially secured and encrypted USB sticks can be used. Backing up your data to a network storage device is also possible. However, keep in mind that NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices can be vulnerable to power outages, floods, or fires—even if RAID mirroring is used. Similarly, magnetic tape backups are susceptible to electromagnetic interference, and their storage capacity may decrease over time, necessitating data restoration every 5–6 years.

Langmeier Backup: The Right Solution for Your Company?

Are you still searching for the ideal backup solution for your business? Whether you prefer incremental, differential, or full backups, Langmeier offers the right software for your needs. From RAID-based backups and EDP backup copies to secure storage of company data on external hard drives, Langmeier helps you find your preferred Microsoft backup solution. In addition to solutions for small businesses, Langmeier also provides suitable software for SMEs and large enterprises.

Look it up further: incremental data backup

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