Remote Backup Standard/Archive Server

Backups:

• Backups are automated and scheduled to run on a nightly basis.   Custom schedules may be created if desired.
• Server applications typically should be inactive during this backup due to restrictions that may prevent a successful backup or restore (open files, etc.).
• The default policy for data retention (typically 21 days) provides for files to be available for restore with an unlimited number of file versions allowed during the data retention period.  Any deleted file will typically be retained for 30 days.  
• The remote backup standard client may be used for backup of virtual or physical servers.

Archival:

• Long term automated archival of selected data can be accomplished by using generated groupings of objects to be retained as a single unit.
• The system will retain the data for a specified period of time or until a set expiration date.

Please refer to service code 650.892 for full service details.

The remote backup standard client may be used for backup of  virtual or physical servers. 

If the district has its own firewall, it must open needed ports to allow access for data transfer. District must be connected to the WNYRIC with sufficient network bandwidth to enable timely completion of the backup.

Periodic restore testing should be done to obtain the approximate time needed to complete a restore. The district is responsible for data restores and verifying the backup data is adequate for restore of the server. The remote backup client requires administrator access to the server. District server requires adequate free space to enable restores.

Planning with district and remote backup team prior to implementation is strongly recommended. The district must designate a primary contact who will receive error notifications and correct them as necessary. WNYRIC staff may be contacted for assistance. The district technical support person must work with the WNYRIC to determine what files are necessary to be backed up and must be aware of any restrictions that may prevent a successful backup or restore (open files, etc.). Server applications typically should be inactive during this backup, unless using one of the advanced options. The district technical support person must work with the RIC to determine the length of time necessary to retain backed up files to provide adequate server restore. The retention value selected must not consume an inordinate amount of WNYRIC storage resources. The district is responsible for data restores and verifying the backup data is adequate for restore of the server. 

The district should notify the WNYRIC in writing of any changes to the target system operating system, drive configuration or application software modification that may affect the remote backup system. The district must also be aware that hardware or software changes made to the server may necessitate an alteration in the designation of files included in the backup job to enable an adequate restore.

The district should notify the WNYRIC in writing of any requests to freeze expiration of stored data (Example: ediscovery).

Prior to full server restores it is required that the server operating system and backup client be installed to the same level they were before a restore request. The district is required to notify the WNYRIC prior to restore initialization and the backup schedule should be disabled during the restore.  Remote Backup service staff are available for assistance with standard restores.  However, involvement of the designated district technical support contact may be required for restore operations involving greater complexity (such bare metal recovery, active directory, etc.).

The Remote Backup service staff will assist on a best effort basis for these types of advanced situations.

The WNYRIC staff will work individually with requesting districts to determine the most effective implementation for this service. The WNYRIC will send an encrypted copy of the backup each business day to a secure off-site location. The WNYRIC will provide backup client software and assistance with installation and set-up. The WNYRIC will provide end user documentation and assistance for the backup, verification, and restore processes. The WNYRIC staff will monitor all backups for errors, warnings, and missed jobs and will send notification to the designated district contact if any occur. The WNYRIC will monitor the amount of space the backup data occupies throughout the year.  Adjustments of current year participation may be required for backup storage that differ from the initial amount.  If needed, this will occur once annually in November. The district will have the option to adjust participation or reduce data by either altering retention times and file versions or removing data from the backup or server. Any upcoming year's participation increases will be communicated in January.

The remote backup server equipment and software have 24x7 vendor support. The remote backup server equipment is located in a secure data center equipped with 24x7 monitoring, redundant network, and backup power supply.  The backup service staff perform research and testing, attend user group meetings and collaborate with other resources to maintain their technical expertise and utilize best practices for data protection. Staff follow best practices in order to provide necessary security as it relates to the most recent student data security and privacy regulations.

The WNYRIC utilizes cost effective best practices determined by research that allows our experienced and trained technical staff to perform robust testing and support of the WNYRIC network in the areas of security, infrastructure, energy management, virtualization strategies, disaster recovery and business continuity. Therefore, we are able to be a district advocate for vendor contract issues and aggressively negotiate contract pricing and performance terms.

Staff follows best practices in order to provide necessary security as it relates to the most recent student, teacher and principal data security and privacy regulations.

Service Desk can be reached Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. by calling (716) 821-7171, 1-800-872-0780. A representative will be available from 4:30 p.m. through 11:00 p.m. to assist you with calls regarding emergency situations. During all other hours and holidays, a caller will receive important information regarding coverage.