Open files have historically been a backup

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Open files have historically been a backup administrator’s biggest challenge, as they are often

skipped or corrupted during the backup process. The alternative – forcing open files closed or

asking users to log out so applications can be shut down – is no longer viable.

When high availability demands 24×7 uptime on a global basis, the “backup window” – the

amount of time when a system can be shut down to back it up, not only shrinks – it disappears.

For most companies, there is no such thing as a clear backup window. Backups must be done

when systems are up and running.

But this leads to several problems – problems that result in incomplete backups and corrupted

files that compromise an organization’s most vital processes. During a backup, files that are

open or in use get skipped. Some backup programs will try to access them again at the end of

backup, but if the files are still open, they will be ignored, and critical data will not be backed up.

And, even if the backup software backs up previously open files during a later attempt,

synchronization problems can occur. In particular, groups of open files that contain related data

at the beginning of a backup will lose relational integrity if they are changed after backup has

commenced.

Related posts:

1. Explosion in data comes an increased potential for data loss
2. How open file and manager work together
3. Choosing between a generic open file tool and an application-specific agent
4. Mapping your network drive
5. Safe mode helps you diagnose problems
6. Change management

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