Data loss is inevitable. Businesses around the world often lose their data due to hardware failure, theft, hacker attacks, natural disasters, or even to human error.
No matter how careful you are, an unexpected problem may occur and leave you hanging without any of your projects.
That’s why it’s important to secure your data the proper way.
And one of the best ways to do so is by using a dedicated server for backup.
Dedicated servers are the most secure solution for backing up your data. Dedicated hosting providers have extra storage for redundancy, thus being the optimal way to keep your data safe.
Keep on reading to learn more about:
- What is Data Backup?
- What is the Difference Between a Backup Storage and a Backup Server?
- How To Backup Your Data on a Dedicated Server
- 5+ Reasons to Use a Dedicated Server for Backup
- Managed Backups with RedSwitches Dedicated Servers
- Dedicated Server Backup FAQ
What is Data Backup?
Data backup is the process of creating a copy of your data and storing it in another location in order to recover your information in the case of data loss.
Data loss can occur due to a hardware or software failure, a virus in your system, a natural disaster, or simply by accidentally erasing your data.
Data backup has become prevalent amongst businesses, almost all of which backup their databases to protect their information. Most often, data backups are kept on an external storage device, or in the cloud. However, corporations that deal with large amounts of data can opt for using a dedicated server for backup.
What is the Difference Between a Backup Storage and a Backup Server?
The terms backup storage and backup server sound similar, but they actually mean two different things.
Backup storage is a local device that you use for keeping a backup copy of your data. It can be an external drive or a RAID storage unit, both which are usually kept in your home or office.
On the other hand, a backup server is a system that performs regular backups of your files, applications, and databases.
The difference between a backup storage and a backup server is that a storage is used locally, and cannot usually be accessed from any other location. Meanwhile, you can access a backup server from anywhere, and upload or retrieve backups from it remotely.
How To Backup Your Data on a Dedicated Server
If you’ve decided to use a dedicated server to backup your data, you might wonder what’s the best approach to configure it.
When you get a managed dedicated server as a backup server, your hosting provider will take care of the backup process for you.
However, if you have an unmanaged server, you’re responsible for configuring your backup solution.
Here are the different methods you can use to set up data backup on a dedicated server:
Method #1: Cloud Backup
There’s many different cloud backup solutions available. Some of the most popular ones are Google Drive and Dropbox.
However, these backup methods are only suitable if you don’t have a lot of data to backup, and have a fast internet connection. In most cases, businesses using dedicated servers have a ton of data, which doesn’t make backing it up using cloud storage very convenient.
Method #2: Acronis Backup
Acronis offers a reliable and scalable backup solution for your data or your entire system. It comes with an easy to use graphical interface, and you can use their software even if you don’t have technical experience.
They have multiple data center locations, so you can choose where to store your data. This makes it easy to implement the 3-2-1 backup strategy, which involves keeping at least one backup copy off-site.
This backup method is secure and easy to set up. And if you’re using a RedSwitches dedicated server, you can buy an Acronis Backup add-on for just $12/month.
Method #3: cPanel Backup
cPanel is a control panel for dedicated servers which has a built-in backup option. You can simply backup your data from the cPanel menu, and pick where to store it.
This method is convenient if you don’t want to get a managed server, but you’re looking for a simple and easy to use backup solution.
If you already have a dedicated server, and you’re using cPanel, this backup method is a no-brainer choice.
Method #4: Bash Script and Cron Job Backup
This method might sound complicated at first, but it’s actually very simple to follow. To create a backup, you first need to create a bash script with a few commands. These commands will instruct your system how to create a data backup copy.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Step #1. Create a directory on your server where you will keep your backup copy.
- Step #2. Create a file in your backup directory where you will write the bash script. You should name the file “backup-cron.sh”.
- Step #3. Insert the following script in the file you just created. You’ll only need to replace user and path with your own username and backup directory path:
| Bash Script:
#!/bin/bash destination_folder=/home/user/backup/`date +%F` archive_file=”backup-`date +%H%M`.tar.gz” mkdir -p $destination_folder /bin/tar -czvf $destination_folder/$archive_file /path –exclude=’/home/user/backup’ |
- Step #4. Save the file and turn it into an executable file. You can use the following command to turn the .sh file into an executable file:
- chmod +x /home/user/backup/backup-cron.sh
And your bash script is done!
Now, it’s time to create a cron job, which will automatically run the backup at desired intervals.
If you are using cPanel, you can create a cron job from inside the control panel.
You can also create a cron job by using the command line. Just type in crontab -e, which will open the cron configuration file. Then input i to access the insert mode.
Now, enter the following lines, and specify your desired time for creating backups:
| Cron Job:
# Run backup at 23:00hrs every day 50 23 * * * /bin/sh /home/user/backup/backup-cron.sh |
Don’t forget to replace user with your actual username. This cron job will run a backup every day at 23:00, but you can pick your own time interval.
5+ Reasons to Use a Dedicated Server for Backup
Dedicated servers come with benefits that make them optimal for backup. Let’s look at the top 5+ reasons why you should use a dedicated server for backup:
#1. Improved Security
If you use a dedicated server for backup, your data copies will be safe in the hosting provider’s data centers.
Because dedicated servers are used by only one tenant, they come with advanced security. Unlike on shared servers, where other users can potentially sabotage your security.
Additionally, dedicated servers often come with DDoS protection, so you’ll know your data is secured against malicious attacks.
Check out our in-depth guide to see how shared servers and dedicated servers compare!
#2. Offshore Backup
It’s good practice to keep at least one backup copy offshore. If you ever get your local backup servers hacked, you risk losing your data. But if you keep a copy of the data offsite on a dedicated server backup, this won’t be a problem.
#3. Disaster Recovery
Natural disasters can occur any day, and catch you unprepared. Worst case scenario, if your office building gets damaged by a fire or a flood, you will likely end up losing your data.
If you’re using dedicated servers for backup, though, you’re protected from this scenario.
Most server providers own multiple data centers around the globe, ensuring that your data is not centralized, and hence, safe from potential natural disasters.
#4. Automated Backups
It’s really simple to create an automated backup solution on a dedicated server and forget about it. And if you ever need more storage, your hosting provider can upgrade your dedicated server for smooth and seamless backups.
This is hard to do with any other backup solutions, because they are not optimized for flexibility like dedicated servers are.
#5. Ease of Access
If you backup your data on a dedicated server, you can access it virtually anywhere. Simply log in to your dedicated server from your current location, and you can restore your data even while travelling.
#6. Cost Effective
Buying a physical backup solution can get very expensive. You need to pay up front for all the hardware (and even software) that you will be using to back up your data.
However, it’s much easier and more affordable to rent a dedicated server from a hosting provider, with no upfront costs. And here’s the best part: dedicated servers are very cheap, starting at only $100 a month!
So, If you’re about to buy a backup solution, a dedicated server for backup is worth considering too.
To set up a backup solution on your dedicated server you might be required to have root access. Head over to our guide on dedicated server root access to learn what it is!
Managed Backups with RedSwitches Dedicated Servers
Want to avoid data loss in case of malicious attacks or natural disasters? Get a managed dedicated server with backup from RedSwitches today!
We’ll make sure your data is always backed up so you never have to worry about data loss..
Our dedicated servers come with top quality storage and fast internet connection for quick and easy data backup.
Get in touch with us for a free consultation on your dedicated server backup solution!
Dedicated Server Backup FAQ
#1. Do I Need a Dedicated Server for Backup?
You’ll need a dedicated server for backup if you’re dealing with large volumes of data which requires lots of computing resources. Additionally, having a dedicated backup server comes with the benefits of having offshore and automated backups, as well as improved security for your data.
#2. How Does Server Backup Work?
A backup server has hardware and software optimized for backing up your data, applications, and databases. You can rent a dedicated server from a hosting provider and set up your own backup solution, or have the hosting provider manage the backup process for you.
#3. Why Should I Use a Dedicated Server for Backup?
Renting a dedicated server as a backup solution is more affordable than buying a physical dedicated server. And if you don’t have an IT team that can manage a backup solution, getting a managed dedicated server for backup is the best option.
Dedicated servers can handle regular backups of large volumes of data because they have dedicated hardware resources. And if you ever need to restore your data, you can do it from anywhere, because your dedicated server is in the cloud.
#4. Is It Safe to Backup Data on a Dedicated Server?
Yes, it is completely safe and reliable to use dedicated servers for backing up your data. Unlike shared servers that have tens or hundreds of users, dedicated servers have only one user, making them much safer.
Additionally, because dedicated server hosting providers have large data centers in multiple locations, they can save your data in case of a natural disaster.
Key Takeaways
We’ve covered everything you should know about backing up your data on a dedicated server. Here’s the main points you should remember.
- Data backup is the process of creating a copy of your primary data in order to avoid data loss.
- The difference between backup storage and backup servers is that backup storage is the device where your backups are stored, and a backup server can serve as an entire backup solution.
- There are four main methods you can use to backup your data:
- Cloud backup
- Acronis backup
- cPanel backup
- Bash script and cron job backup
- You should use a dedicated server for backup because it offers improved security, keeps your backup offshore, and enables you to recover your data in the case of a disaster. It’s also convenient because you can easily automate the backup process and access your backup copies from anywhere, while keeping your expenses low.
- You can get cheap dedicated servers from RedSwitches and choose between managed and unmanaged servers tailored to your business.
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- What Is a Cloud Dedicated Server & How Does It Work?
