Question 1

What is file and object backup?

Accepted Answer

File and object backup is a solution that protects files stored in file systems, including from Microsoft Windows or Linux servers, or data stored as objects by creating a copy of the data and sending it to a secondary storage target location. Users can then access the copy data should the need arise to recover the data. The easiest way to describe object storage is to view it as data with a unique identifier and unlimited amounts of metadata. The identifier called a universally unique identifier (UUID) is assigned to the data in the object storage. Object storage generally accommodates storage or data as objects, such as unstructured data, including files, emails, images, audiovisual recordings, and more. In addition to the UUIDs, object storage also contains metadata or data that provides details about other data. The metadata is information that identifies the added material and could range from elaborate descriptions to the file name, the owner, the creation date of the data, source, or other detail. Unlike object storage, file storage uses a simple file structure. The file storage uses a hierarchical approach to organize data in files arranged in folders that are placed into directories and subdirectories. Most users are familiar with the structure of file storage, and IT admins appreciate its user-friendly interface that does not require building custom APIs. In general, file storage is best for enterprises with a user base that requires a hierarchial structure to storing data. For example, if your company uses many well-defined data sets, such as departmental shares, then file storage may be the right solution for you. A robust file and object backup solution is a powerful application that supports backing up and protecting a broad range of data stored in on-premises or cloud based file systems and in cloud object storage solutions alike. Combining both types of storage resources extends the backup solution’s reach to several data formats, including unstructured data, images, audio, and video. A file and object backup solution must support different operating systems like Windows, Linux, and UNIX. With file and object backup, customers can typically bring all their data, regardless of its composition, under a straightforward solution. Object storage backup solutions are very well suited for cloud backup as object storage can handle cloud-scale data sizes without requiring prearrangement of data sets, and copies are stored in the cloud for greater efficiency. Large on-premises data sets stored on site can be protected and stored on site for quicker recovery. Regardless of where the data is stored, a solution that can protect the data where it lives is essential to backup efficiency and faster recovery.

Question 2

What is the file and object backup process, and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

A file and object backup solution needs to offer protection for all data types stored on file systems and object storage. The main stages of the process include: Adopt a clear backup strategy that defines the data sets that will be protected, as well as the frequency of backups Identify the sources of data that will be protected as part of the planned backup Enter the backup parameters as detailed in your disaster recovery plans and backup policies Designate the destination for each set of the data sets if more than one is required. It is prudent to maintain two different and separate copies of backup; one on-premises for rapid recovers, and the other in the cloud for better air-gapped protection against potential data loss Execute the backup or schedule it as specified in your IT procedures or schedule it for an automated execution at a more suitable time

Question 3

Why is file and object backup important?

Accepted Answer

The amount of data created daily is staggering, and all of it should be stored and protected against loss. By 2025, it is estimated that 463 exabytes of data will be created each day. As data is growing, so are bad actors in their efforts, as ransomware continues to quickly trend in the wrong direction. Combined with a larger attack surface – this introduces more risk to the business and the data. Users expect to have the data they need accessible and available around the clock. With file and object backup, customers can store and backup their different data types and protect them with one solution. With a file and object backup solution that supports cloud storage as a target, customers can then rely on cloud scalability that accommodates their business needs as their data continues to grow. Object storage can accommodate almost unlimited amounts of diverse structured and unstructured data that your company will accumulate over time. On the other hand, file systems storage is ready to host your unstructured data files and give you a solution that is fast to access and easy to manage and administer. It is inevitable to experience some data loss and application failure due to scheduled and unscheduled disruptions. Without file and object backup, many businesses would suffer and lose vital data due to extended disruptions and disaster recovery times. In short, a well executed file and object backup strategy can keep the engines of your business running and bring them back to life faster after outages.

Question 4

Does Metallic offer file and object backup?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Metallic File and Object Backup solution can support a cost-optimized protection service for your data, including Microsoft Azure Blob, Azure Files, Windows Files System, and Linux File Systems. The solution offers comprehensive protection for your data from cloud-native to on-premises and can protect all your diverse environments with cloud storage target options. Customers can also bring their own storage if they need to leverage existing investments or on-premises backup targets for fast short-term recovery of on-premises data, thanks to our unique SaaS plus model. In these cases, customers can still leverage Metallic Cloud Storage as a simple secondary storage option. Metallic also offers additional solutions for customers’ hybrid cloud workloads with Metallic Database Backup, and Metallic VM & Kubernetes Backup, and solutions for endpoints and productivity applications in Metallic Endpoint Backup and Metallic Backup for Microsoft 365.

File & Object Backup

File and Object Backup