Backup validation is a strategy that has to do with checking and verifying the success of an information backup of a database or other files used routinely on a network. The goal of any backup validation process is to make sure the backup was successful and the data involved was not damaged or corrupted in any manner. Doing so helps to ensure that if some type of catastrophic situation should occur that destroys the main database, the backup sources can be used to successfully rebuild the database.
The process of backup validation involves examining every aspect of the backup process. This usually begins with an examination of the function of the backup protocols used to manage the copying and storing of essential information. The idea is to compare the data housed in the main database against the copies of the data and make sure nothing has been lost as a result of the software used. If and when any issues are discovered, this can lead to identifying the origin of the issue and making changes in the protocols so that the integrity of the data is kept intact. This is easily one of the more basic approaches to validation, and can be employed by both businesses and home networks.
Another important aspect of backup validation has to with what is known as capacity planning. The idea here is to make sure the procedures used to back up data are sufficient to handle the increasing load of information that is processed at each backup session. At the same time, attention is paid to the amount of capacity left on the resources used to receive and store the backed up data. Planning in advance makes it possible to know when additional resources must be secured in order to prevent a breakdown of the data already backed up and also to ensure that new data can continue to be copied, stored, and retrieved with ease.
While a basic backup validation can be done by some users and system administrators, it is also possible to outsource this function to a vendor partner. Typically, a consultant will know how to read log files associated with the backup activity, assess the quality of the copied data, and also project future capacity needs. From there, the consultant can make suggestions on how to refine or alter the backup processes so that the captured data remains uncorrupted and can be easily accessed in the event of an emergency situation.