If you care about your data, you must back it up, then back it up again. Many IT disaster recovery services available today do have the option of scheduling backups. This type of construct backup often involves backing up of SQL Server databases that do not include scheduled maintenance. On the other hand, when you perform concurrent backup, you save multiple files at the same time (concurrently). We’ll discuss this further down below.

What is concurrency?

Concurrency refers to an application working on more than one task at any given time instead of completing only one task before moving on to the next process. For instance, it’s like singing and dancing all at once. However, concurrency doesn’t necessarily mean simultaneous performance. To illustrate, both tasks might be run at the same time, but task A gets completed before task B. And this brings us to a term often confused with concurrency.

Understanding parallelism

Unlike concurrency, parallelism occurs when an application splits processes into sub-processes, which can be run in parallel. Basically, within a CPU, each core is assigned to run each sub-process. As a result, parallelism is simultaneous and requires servers with multiple processing units.

What is the difference between parallelism and concurrency?

Concurrent backup means two backups are performed at the same time, but it may not happen simultaneously. For example, multiple backups are “concurrently” in progress. With parallelism, several actions are executed simultaneously. A concurrent backup can ensure many backups are performed at once, but they are completed at different times. In terms of IT disaster recovery services, this makes sense as an efficient backup since data size can vary.

When you use a concurrent backup strategy, you might send a library to one server and another set of libraries to another server. Why does this matter? If you can backup files concurrently, you can also restore them concurrently, which significantly reduces downtime in the event of a failure. System data, security data, folders, and files all benefit from construct backup to decrease backup cycle time and ensure your data is saved quickly.

Benefits of concurrent backup

Since backups can be automated, concurrent backup means backups still occur without any disruption. So then, when recovery is initiated, you can retrieve your data more quickly without incurring data loss. In this day and age, you should never rely on just one backup. Having images of your data – stored in several places – is optimal, especially when dealing with proprietary or sensitive data. There is safety in redundancy.

According to Gartner, 60% of businesses will experience serious service failures. But, you can mitigate any negative impact with concurrent backup. It is dangerous to keep all your data in one place. Further, cyber threats are becoming much more sophisticated. Having a concurrent backup with IT disaster recovery services means that even if you fall victim to a breach, your data can be securely recovered so that your business may operate as usual.

As part of your disaster recovery plan, concurrent backup should be crucial. Systems are vulnerable from various angles. Performing data backups in multiple locations help to decrease the potential for digital risk.

Now, let’s talk about your business reputation. Any data loss or breach can spell the end for not only your reputation but also your business. A data breach can induce significant financial losses and a loss of trust from your customers.

Even when a disaster strikes, your business is still required to maintain compliance with industry regulations. A crucial aspect of compliance is disaster and data recovery. The objective is to minimize downtime, so your company can get back up and running as soon as possible. One of the most disruptive reasons for downtime is ransomware. A nefarious cyber-criminal locks up your data. Ransomware can also be directed to infect your backup files. But, what if you had multiple backups? If so, you could ensure business continuity even during a ransomware attack.

The days of one on-premises backup are long gone. To gain a competitive advantage, you must backup your data concurrently. Consider this: Three backups provide better protection than one. If there is an issue with one backup, you always have a second or third backup to ensure data security and recovery. With concurrent data backup, you will always have a secure copy of your data – no matter what happens. Moreover, you don’t have to spend time creating separate backups since it is automated.

In conclusion

At SSI, we’re your trusted partner in ensuring your data is backed up concurrently. Every day, your business faces a multitude of threats. Thankfully, your systems and data will be secure and operational in any circumstance. In fact, you can meet your data recovery goals without draining your resources.