Backup Storage on Dedicated Servers

What is OVHcloud’s backup storage solution?

Our backup storage solution is a backup storage space based on NFS technology. It has 500GB capacity and is included free with every OVHcloud dedicated server. This backup storage is perfect for storing high volumes of data and configuration files. It also gives you a space to keep your data when you need to reinstall the server. With FTP server protocols, such as NFS or CIFS, you can mount your volume locally on the machine and manipulate files as if they were on a local disk. You can also automate backups using simple scripts by pushing data to backup storage.

Does OVHcloud offer other storage solutions?

Yes. We offer a range of dedicated object storage, file storage, block storage, archive storage and backup storage options* to help you store your files, folders and data in a scalable, secure and cost-effective way. So whether you need to archive your files for a long time or an unlimited space to store large datasets, we have a storage solution suitable for you. Click on the links above for more information or contact us to learn more.

* Unlike the 500GB backup storage discussed on this page, these solutions are billed monthly and are not included free with a dedicated server.

Why use OVHcloud’s backup storage solution?

Our dedicated servers come with 500GB free backup storage to store and backup your files. This is useful for both individuals and organisations who want to ensure they can restore their data easily in the event of a disaster, such as a cyberattack or system failure.

Using our backup storage offers the following benefits:

Cost savings

We include 500GB of free backup storage space with your dedicated server, which can be increased up to 10TB for an additional fee. As the backup storage solution is fully managed, this also cuts the amount of time and money you spend on maintenance.

Simplicity

Once you’ve purchased a dedicated server, you can start scheduling backups straightaway. Connect to your backup server easily (we support FTP, FTPS, NFS and CIFS protocols) and configure your settings using the OVHcloud Control Panel.

Security

OVHcloud guarantees data sovereignty, and we ensure all our solutions adhere to EU data protection laws, such as GDPR. Our servers contain Anti-DDoS Protection and are housed in datacentres with robust on-site security. We’ve also achieved multiple globally recognised security certifications, including ISO, SOC, PCI DSS and CSA STAR.

Reliability

Our servers offer high availability and a stable network connection. This reduces the risk of backup failure and other system errors, protecting your data from loss, corruption and accidental deletion.

What is backup storage?

Backup storage is a physical machine or virtual space in which to store duplicate copies of your data. The purpose of backup storage is to protect data from loss or corruption in the event of a technical failure, cyberattack or other disaster. Organisations and individuals can use backup storage to protect databases, important files, or even entire systems to ensure that their files can be restored in the event of a disaster. With events such as cyberattacks and ransomware growing in frequency and efficiency, it is now crucial for modern organisations to implement a backup storage strategy to ensure robust data protection, disaster recovery, and business continuity.

What storage is best for backup?

There are multiple backup storage methods to choose from. Selecting the best backup storage solution will depend on the specific needs of the organisation or individual, such as budget, volume of data, accessibility, and recovery time requirements.

Here are some of the most common types of backup storage and their benefits:

Cloud storage

With cloud storage, backup data is stored on remote servers. This service is delivered by cloud providers, who will usually maintain the security and performance of the solution. Cloud storage is a highly effective backup storage solution, as it offers simplicity, scalability and can be accessed anywhere with an internet connection – including on mobile devices - making it ideal for modern organisations, who often work remotely. Cloud storage solutions often also include features such as encryption, automation and versioning to ensure robust security and to help you retrieve older versions of files easily.

Backup server

A backup server is a physical on-premises machine dedicated to backup storage. Backup servers usually store copies of files from multiple devices and other areas of an organisation’s network. They offer simple, centralised management using backup software, which often comes with features such as automation and security. With a backup server, resources can be optimised to ensure that backup processes don’t interfere with the performance of other servers or devices, and disaster recovery is often faster as the data is more readily accessible.

External hard drives and removable media

Another backup storage method is the use of external hard drives or removable media, such as USB flash drives or CDs. These traditional backup solutions are popular with individuals and small businesses, offering a simple, portable way to copy and transfer files and media such as photos. However, they have limited capacity and don’t usually have any additional features. There’s also a higher risk of data loss, as devices can be stolen, lost or damaged. For this reason, many modern organisations don’t allow their employees to use such devices for backup storage.

Network attached storage (NAS)

A NAS device is a backup storage device or server connected directly to a network, instead of a computer. It allows multiple areas of the network to access and store backup data. The primary benefit of a NAS solution is ease of management and access, enabling multiple users and devices in the network to store and share backup files in one centralised space. NAS solutions often also provide security and automation capabilities, as well as lower power consumption compared to traditional servers.

Tape storage

Traditional tape storage (where data is stored on tape drives) is normally used for long-term data backup storage i.e. archiving. Although other methods of storage have taken its place, tape storage is still widely used by organisations, especially those in regulated industries that need to backup and retain files for long periods of time. This is because it is highly cost-effective, durable, energy efficient and can also be stored offline to protect data from cyberattacks, ransomware and unauthorised access.

What is a backup server?

A backup server is an on-premises machine dedicated purely to storing backup data from other devices, servers or computers within a network. Storing data on a backup server ensures that files can be restored in the event of a technical failure, cyberattack, or other disaster. A backup server usually runs backup software that enables you to manage and automate backup tasks, such as scheduling. It offers a simple, easily accessible method of backup storage.

How is a backup server different to a primary server?

Primary servers and backup servers are different types of server that perform different functions within an organisation’s IT infrastructure.

The purpose of a primary server is to host the core apps, services and data that an organisation relies on for its day-to-day operations. For example, it might host websites, databases, or business-critical apps. As servers are used daily, the data on a primary server is easily accessible and the server is optimised for high performance.

A backup server, however, is designed purely for backup storage, holding copies of data from the primary server and other areas of the network. Data stored on a backup server isn’t as easily accessible as a primary server, being only required in case of a disaster or other incident. As files on a backup server are accessed infrequently, such servers don’t require as much processing power as a primary server.

How do I start a backup server?

Starting a backup server involves planning, choosing suitable hardware and software, and configuring settings to meet your specific needs. Here’s a basic guide to help you get started:

1.    Define your enterprise data requirements

Decide exactly which files you want to backup, how frequently backups should happen, and how long this data should be retained (i.e. retention policy). This will help you to identify which solutions to adopt.

2.    Choose backup hardware and software

A backup server requires hardware, which is often a physical server, but can also be an external hard drive, tape drive, or network attacked storage (NAS) solution. When assessing different backup hardware solutions, remember to ensure there’s enough capacity to accommodate your data. To manage your backups, you’ll also need to select backup software. When comparing software solutions, consider which features you need, such as security, automation, scheduling, monitoring, ease of use, and integration with existing infrastructure.

3.    Install and configure the backup software

Now that you’ve chosen your backup server solutions, its time to install the backup software on the server. Configure the settings to suit your needs, identify which data sources to backup, set up schedules for automated backups, and monitoring to alert you to failures. This is also the time to implement security measures, such as access controls and encryption.

4.    Document your backup processes

Create documentation about your backup process, including schedules, configurations and recovery procedures. Ensure your team understands what to do in terms of management, security, and recovery in the event of an incident.

5.    Regularly test, review and update

Check your logs and reports regularly for issues and perform test backups to ensure that your process works, and that files can be restored successfully. Finally, update your backup software as required and perform regular reviews of your overall backup strategy, which will change as your business evolves and experiences challenges, such as new technologies and data volumes.