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