Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  How can I estimate how much data I have to backup and vault?
The LAN Storage Discovery Tool helps administrators collect and evaluate file data according to a number of pre-selected parameters and display each ROBO site in an Excel graphical format. This tool helps administrators define different tiers of data and how many versions of that data should be kept online in the DS-System. Some of the report templates include: Share Usage, Largest Files, Largest Duplicates, Ownership, File Type Distribution, Partition Size, Access Report, Dormant Files, Growth and Modified Files, SQL Server Size, and Exchange Server Size.
Q: How is the first backup done, given that there will be a lot of data?
For large data volumes, the initial backup may be done to a portable unit, backing up at LAN speeds to a large array of disks. When the full backup of your data is complete, the disks are transported back to the Data Center. Future backups, which are purely incremental, will be transmitted online and synchronized with your initial backup data at the Data Center. 
Q:  Can the software be set to stop backing up after a certain time has elapsed?
Yes, the software is designed to fit specific backup windows. Policies can be set to designate what time to stop at, for example at 8:00am when employees are starting to arrive, or maybe by 5:00am if there is an important batch process to run.
Q:  How does Online Datavault access data without agents?
The Online Datavault software eliminates the requirement for locally installed agents because it leverages the protocols, APIs, methods and functionality that platform, operating system, database, and other application vendors utilize for remotely accessing and managing their own systems. While other backup/restore solutions require a unique backup agent (installed on every target server, workstation, and laptop) for each type of system and application, the Online Datavault architecture integrates support for all major platforms and applications into a single, optimized software system comprised of just two major components: the DS-Client (just one installed at each remote site) and the DS-System (installed at the vaulting location)..
Q: How many versions of my backed up files are held offsite?
The number of versions is a parameter that the system administrator sets during installation. Unlike a tape backup, where the routine is to rotate tapes in a cycle, Online Datavault will only back up a new version of a file when it has changed, guaranteeing that the customer is not wasting space backing up exactly the same version more than once. For example, if a file only changes once a month, there will be 7 months worth of that file. The number of versions stored can be configured on an individual backup set basis. Each backup set can be configured down to include just one file if desired, giving you the ability to maximize the efficiency of the storage.
Q:  What backup benefits does 64-bit native processing deliver?
Online Datavault supports quad-core x64 processors for maximum performance and scalability. Online Datavault multi-threaded backup software processes several orders of magnitude more data and allows larger data block reduction for near real-time distributed data protection.  A single DS-System vault central site can support tens of thousands of concurrent backup/restore activities. 64-bit Native processing can process block-level incremental backup and de-duplication for files up to 4TB in size..
Q:  How and to what standard is the data encrypted?
The small files and delta blocks of data are first compressed and then encrypted up to AES 256, which is set by the customer during the installation of the DS-Client. Data remains encrypted in-flight and at-rest. The backup data is only unencrypted by the DS-Client at your site when it has retrieved the encrypted data from your Data Center for a restore.
Q:  What do you mean by compression and what happens?
Compression can be likened to letting the air out of a balloon. Although the air has gone, the structure still exists and it can be re-inflated easily. The advantage is that it takes less room. Files, especially databases, are often full of empty space, which can be removed to make the file smaller for transit, whilst making it very easy to recreate. A conservative compression to expect with Online Datavault is 4:1
Q:  Does all of the remote office/branch office data get transferred every day?
Only new and unique data will get backed up. Duplicate or unchanged files will not be transmitted.
Q:  What format is the data held?
The data is held on disk for rapid access times.
Q: At what point is the data available for restore?
The data is available for restore immediately after it has been backed up and is held offsite.
Q:  Can data be restored to a different machine on our network?
Yes, the restore data can be redirected as desired. You are able to browse the network and provide connection credentials for the redirected restore, just as you do for creating the initial backup set.
Q:  Can we prioritize which data is restored in the event of a disaster?
 Yes, you can select easily which files/directories/servers you wish to restore. There is no need to restore non-essential data until a later time if desired.
Q:  How do I recover an entire ROBO site if all data is lost during a disaster?
The restore method depends upon the recovery time objectives (RTO), the amount of data to transmit and the bandwidth of line installed. Often there is too much data to restore via the WAN if the latest backup copy on local storage has been destroyed. If the actual ROBO has been destroyed then the data will be restored to an alternate DR location.

There are three methods in which data can be restored.
  • Data is restored across the WAN link
  • Restore data is delivered via a portable disk
  • A portable DS-System can be delivered to the customer's site or alternative disaster recovery location or hot-site in the event of a major DR effort.