Implementing Backup Procedures

For best backup results, follow these guidelines:

• Schedule online backups when there is minimal database access.
• Have a fixed schedule for online backups so users can plan for database slowdowns.
• Test your backup strategy to see if it is effective; make changes if any area is weak.
• Plan to save several versions back; retain enough versions for your business needs.
• Perform database consistency checks before export or after import.
• Back up the master database before and after it is altered; if you save the original database creation scripts, you can use the same scripts to recreate it.
• For a distributed system, plan on coordinating backup procedures so each site can be backed up individually without destroying the integrity of the data at other sites.
• Some databases recommend that you export and re-import the database on a monthly basis to maintain optimum performance.