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Vet
solutions urge practices with computerised systems to check
backup protocols
Veterinary practice
management software suppliers, Vet solutions, says that as
many as 50 per cent of practices with computerised systems
may not have adequate backup if disaster struck.
"As part of our
support service to clients, we carry out system monitoring
procedures overnight," says Vet solutions' Julian Bryan. "From
this we know the level of backup being carried out. Fortunately,
only a few appear not to have any form of back up media."
Over 80 per cent
of practices are generating master backup disks tapes at least
weekly. But 42 per cent of sites have never made disaster
recovery disks and at 52 per cent of sites these disks are
more than six months old.
"We are informing
each of our clients on their level of back up and if they
need to change any procedures. Even with a clean bill of health,
they need to remember that the backup media will wear out,
just like a video tape or audio cassette. This would mean
the data is not fully secure.
"Ideally, each
site should backup the entire server hard disk daily and rotate
their DAT tapes or Jaz diskswith a different tape or disk
for each day of the week, looking to replace them annually.
"It is also worth
looking at the capacity of backup tapes and the speed of the
drive. If a higher capacity tape is used, more data can be
stored on it and a faster machine/drive will cut minutes off
system backup times at the end of the day, and more importantly
restore times, should the hard disk fail.
"The computer
files will, in many cases, represent the equity and goodwill
of the business so it is vital that correct and adequate protocols
are in place to provide the necessary back up. The risk and
possible consequences of mistakes should not be underestimated.
ENDS
For
more information contact: Julian
Bryan 0131 556 3327
Issued
by: Karen
Wright 01832 734755
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