User guide

194 A/R–Accounts Receivable CC–Credit Card CCOF–Credit Card On File CV–Customer View
Backup Considerations
All computers use hard disk drives for data storage. Hard disk drives
are sealed units containing non-removable magnetic storage disks that
rotate at very high speeds. Data stored on this rotating disk becomes
permanent until deleted. This means that all customer, invoice, route,
accounts receivable, and configuration data is permanently stored in a
typically safe place. However, because the hard disk drive is electrome-
chanical, it can fail. Further, because the hard disk drive is sealed and
contains non-removable magnetic media, getting at your data is almost
impossible if it fails.
BACKUP DEVICE TYPES
Think of how difficult it would be if your all customer, order, or rack
location information were totally gone in an instant. Fortunately, hard
disk drives are fairly reliable, lasting 4-6 years on average. And,
fortunately, there are good alternatives for efficiently and inexpensively
backup your data. SPOT Business Systems business systems are shipped
with a high-speed removable hard disk drive cartridge backup sub-
system that provides automated daily backups (see Hardware and
Accessories section of this manual).
We strongly suggest the use of this type of backup system because of
its fast operation, removable cartridge, and ease of backup automation.
In the event you have provided your own system hardware and integra-
tion, this type of subsystem is recommended. Do not use analog tape
backup subsystems since they tend to be unreliable over time due to
dust contamination. Our technical support personnel may not know how
to help you restore data if you have an analog tape backup.
SYSTEM SIZE AND BACKUPS
For the most part, the standard cartridge subsystem mentioned above
will handle data backups for local area systems with up to 15 worksta-
tions in a single location. Larger local area systems or hosted centralized
systems will require additional consideration. In these cases, the use of
sophisticated Raid Arrays or digital tape backups may be the best
option. Contact SPOT Business Systems for recommendations.
OFFSITE BACKUP STORAGE
It is always a good practice to take a backup offsite periodically—once
a week or every month at a minimum. Either a fire or burglary could
result in data loss equivalent to a hard drive failure. The importance of
removable media is underscored here. Make sure to have additional
removable cartridges for rotation in/out of offsite storage.