The data hunt commences as you stare at the 10 external hard drives scattered across the desk. The agonizing process starts as you plug in each drive, searching for a project from years ago. As you plug in your last drive, the inevitable occurs, generating a wave of panic. The drive shows no signs of life, and all data is lost.
This is a story we hear repeatedly from creative professionals, small businesses, and home users. In many cases, it’s too late to recover the data and could cost thousands of dollars for drive recovery services. Using multiple hard drives to store data, not only provides limited protection, but it also creates a time-consuming and complicated workflow.
By following our four steps below and inserting Drobo backup solutions in your workflow, you can save HOURS every day, while also enjoying peace of mind with data protection, simplicity and organization.
Step 1: Find a Backup
Photo by Nic Taylor
Discover which backup solution is the best fit to optimize your workflow. Start by asking questions such as, are you working with multiple computers or on a team? Do you need remote access? Do you want the ability to edit using the drive? How much data protection do you need?
All Drobos protect against hard drive failures, expand with your data and optimize your workflow. Below, we recommend a few Drobo solutions that fit best in each workflow.
Drobo 5C – Most affordable solution, USB 3.0, Type C connection for computers, provides protection and expandable storage (up to 64TB) with internal hard drives
Drobo 5N2 – Attaches to network using 2 Ethernet Ports, multiple computer access, remote access and sharing, optional offsite sync, includes DroboApps for convenience, provides protection and expandable storage (up to 64TB) with internal hard drives Drobo 5D3 – Ultimate editing performance with Thunderbolt™ 3 and USB Type C, 5K display ready, provides protection and expandable storage (up to 64TB) with internal hard drives
Step 2: Add 2 More
One backup is NOT enough. We recommend having at least three backups, with one being in an offsite location. Having a backup in an offsite location, protects your data from theft, natural disasters and human error. Drobo integrates with multiple cloud providers and platforms for convenience.
A simple solution for adding an offsite backup is with the Drobo Disaster Recovery (DroboDR) built-in to the network attached Drobos, Drobo 5N2 and Drobo B810n. DroboDR provides the ability to automatically upload your data from an onsite Drobo to an offsite Drobo on a schedule, ultimately saving you time. Additionally, you can sync two Drobos or devices using a third-party software, such as Resilio.
Step 3: Create a Routine
The first step to using a backup, is to create a naming process for your files, allowing them to be easily searchable. Drobo appears on the computer as a single drive with the ability to create folders, subfolders, etc. However, it is beneficial to name the individual files for easy searching.
Drobo user, Mark Shannon, shares his recommendation. “There’s always a bunch of confusion when it comes to writing dates. Some write MM/DD/YY whereas others use DD/MM/YY… the problem is that if the day being written is 12 or under, it’s nearly impossible to find out what’s been used without context. My simple tip is to just switch it up completely. I started writing my dates as YYYYMMDD (largest to smallest) years ago, and it helps to sort and organize, as alphabetical sort gives you proper chronological order.”
The second step is to plan how often you want to backup your data… hourly, daily, monthly? Using a backup such as Apple’s Time Machine or Windows Backup, you can create an automatic backup schedule for your computer. Since setting up Time Machine and Windows Backup on a hard drive will consume all available disk space, you can simply place the backup into the Drobo. This step will not only save you time, but also allow you to expand with your data.
For more information using Time Machine with Drobo click here
Step 4: Be Prepared for Anything
Keep track of the warranty term for your hard drives, Drobo and gear. We recommend labeling your drives, documenting the date purchased and the warranty expiration. When a drive does fail, you will be able to easily see if the drive is still in warranty for a replacement. In addition, label the Drobo with date purchased and DroboCare expiration, to know when to renew the term.
Another step for being prepared is having your data readily available, even if remote. For example, if a team member needs a file and you are on vacation for a week, are you going to make them wait? Drobo network attached solutions (5N2 and B810n), provide instant access, upload and share features on your smartphone or computer to ensure you always have access to your data. In addition, they provide password protection and expiration dates for security.
By incorporating these steps, you will be able to save HOURS in your workflow and ensure you never lose your data again. Focus on what you do best with Drobo.
For more information on Drobo click here
5 years ago