Framework for Backup Policy

A backup policy helps manage users’ expectations and provides specific guidance on the “who, what, when, and how” of the data backup and restore process. Collecting information about backing data up before it is needed helps prevent problems and delays that may be encountered when a user needs data from a backup. There are several benefits to documenting your data backup policy:

It helps clarify the policies, procedures, and responsibilities.
It will define:
- where backups are located
- who can access backups and how they can be contacted
- how often data should be backed up
- what kind of backups are performed
Other policies or procedures that may already exist or that supersede the policy (such as contingency plans) are identified.
A schedule for performing backups is well-defined.
It will identify who is responsible for performing the backups and their contact information. This should include more than one person, in case the primary backup operator is unavailable.
It will define who is responsible for checking that backups have been performed successfully, how and when they will perform this checking.
A policy ensures data can be completely restored.
A training plan for those responsible for performing the backups and for the users who may need to access the backups should be mandatory.
The data Backup is should be fully automated, if technically possible.
The policy will ensure that more than one copy of the backup exists and that it is not located in same location as the originating data.
It will ensure that a variety of media are used to backup data, as each media type has its own inherent reliability issues.
It will ensure that anyone new to the project or office can be given the documentation which will help inform them and provide guidance.

Defining a Data Backup Policy helps overview your infrastructure as well as your backup needs in order to create JobDefs, Schedules, Pools and Jobs that will be adequate for your environment.

Example

Scope of Policy
Purpose
Legal and Regulatory Obligations
Policy
1. Schedule of every important piece to be backed up
2. Storage of the first line Data Backup - Disk
3. Transport and storage of tapes
4. Tape Rotation and Storage
5. Regular data backup verification
6. Data recovery test in case of disaster recovery - scope and schedule
7. Restoration request process
8. Backup logs management
9. Backup monitoring
10. Backup Failure Management
11. Disposal of redundant/damaged tapes
Reporting - Role and Responsibilities
1. Backup and data recovery
2. Verifications
3. Disaster Recovery situation
4. Policy Implementation
5. Policy Review

Note

The information given in this article is for the purpose of information mainly. It needs to be adapted to the infrastructure, requirements, and possibly regulatory obligations of your organization.