Take a chance on virtualized backup and disaster recovery

Introduction

Disaster recovery and data backup are two elements of storage that will never go out of style, given their necessity. The methods of backup and DR, however, frequently change as the technology around them evolves. Organizations will always need to recover data following a disaster, but how they choose to do so has transformed over time. Virtualized backup and DR are recent developments in the data protection world that are making waves.

In the age of ransomware, users are taking advantage of virtual disaster recovery following an attack. Because modern malware has rendered many physical storage protections null, virtual disaster recovery has become an important tool of the ransomware fight. The simplicity and faster recovery time of virtual DR systems are particularly helpful features for organizations when as little downtime as possible is crucial.

As storage and its related costs grow, virtualized backup continues to gain popularity. Not every organization can afford enough on-site, physical storage to ensure proper backup and speedy recovery, and some don't particularly want to. Traditional on-site storage has its own benefits but doesn't necessarily lend itself to simplified DR.

Virtualized backup and DR don't come without their share of challenges. Virtual machine (VM) sprawl and network issues can spell performance problems, and without proper testing, the level of data protection may not be as effective as it should be. Luckily, there are answers to most virtual data protection woes out there.

Below, we've compiled a selection of pieces detailing the benefits of virtual disaster recovery and backups -- where they're being used, what issues they confront and what hurdles you'll need to watch out for if you're considering virtual data protection. Curious about what is currently on the market? We've also made sure to include vendor products and developments in the field so you can see what is out there and where the technology may be headed.

1Benefits-

The pros of virtualized backup and recovery

Developments in virtual environment technologies make it an appealing option. Whether your concerns are cost, available options on the market or the growing threat of ransomware, virtual backup and recovery could be a good fit for your organization.

2How to begin-

Go virtual, overcome common challenges

The benefits of virtualization don't mean that it is without its flaws or challenges. When using virtualized backup and recovery, testing is of the utmost importance. Know what your data needs to create an effective backup and DR plan.

3Vendors-

The virtual backup and recovery market

Data protection vendors have hopped on the virtualization bandwagon, offering a variety of products for backup and recovery. Along with releasing virtualized products now, vendors are also thinking about what is in store for the technology down the road.