A Reminder Regarding Backing Up Your RFMS Data
Clients will sometimes lose RFMS data or have it corrupted as a result of a disk or server failure or some other hardware event that has compromised their data. Also, it is becoming more common that data is compromised through ransomware and other malware. Situations such as these can be reduced to a temporary inconvenience so long as adequate backup procedures have been followed. Where this hasn’t been the case, the impact on a business in this situation can be significant and expensive. Not to mention stressful.
Some versions ago RFMS added a warning in RFMS. It will appear when RFMS cannot detect a proper SQL backup has been completed. By clicking “OK” several times, the window will disappear, and you will be able to use RFMS. Be warned, however, that the message is an indication that you might not have a current, valid backup of your business data. A document is attached for you to share with your local IT support so that they can ensure appropriate backup procedures are in place.
If you get the message but believe that you or your IT support people have been doing regular and successful back-ups, then the reason for the message is SQL does not recognise your backup process. When a proper SQL database backup takes place, SQL registers the backup date and time. RFMS looks to SQL to identify when the last successful backup was registered. Some backup routines do not correctly backup a SQL database, and we have therefore had instances where the client has tried to restore from a backup only to be unsuccessful.
If you are getting the backup warning message but you are assured by your local IT people that the SQL database is being backed up correctly then contact us and we can disable the warning message. We will however only disable it on your request after you confirm that you are satisfied with your local backup procedures. The only way to be assured is by doing a test restore.
Testing Your Backup
Most of us will never have to rely on a backup for a restore, but when the situation does arise, you will need to be confident that it will work. Whatever your backup procedure is we strongly recommend that a test restore be done by your IT support people at least once a month to continue to verify the integrity of your backups on an on-going basis.
If you have any doubt regarding the quality of your backup processes the following link might be helpful: http://sqlbak.com/blog/backup-best-practices/
Backing up your data is a critical business process. But, if you’re backing up to a local external hard drive or USB drive, you’re missing an essential part of a successful backup strategy. You need your files stored in separate physical locations. Offsite backups will protect your data from catastrophic events like fires, floods, and robberies of your home or office. Files stored in just one physical location are vulnerable. If you or your IT support people have any questions, please let us know, and our IT team will be happy to provide information and advice.