Difference Between Backup and Recovery

As technology continues to evolve, everyone uses a device for either work or entertainment, resulting in data being generated continuously. Keeping the data safe is very important. With the increase in data, ensuring its safety has become very important. Proper storage and protection of data have become necessary to avoid permanent loss in case of unexpected events. In such cases, having proper methods for data backup and data recovery becomes crucial.

What is Backup?

Backup refers to storing a copy of original data which can be used in case of data loss. Backup is considered one of the approaches to data protection. Important data of the organization needs to be efficiently backed up to protect valuable data. Backup can be achieved by storing a copy of the original data separately or in a database on storage devices. There are various types of backups available like full backup, incremental backup, Local backup, mirror backup, etc.

Example: An example of Backup can be SnapManager which makes a backup of everything in the database.

Advantages of Backup

• Protection against data loss.
• Ensuring smooth workflow.
• Enables recovery of previous data.
• User can back up the data and delete it from their system to free the space or memory.

Disadvantages of Backup

• Hardware and software expenses are higher.
• Maintenance cost of hardware and software increases.
• Failure to properly backup critical data can result in irreversible loss.

What is Recovery?

Recovery refers to restoring lost data by following some processes. Even if the data was backed up still lost so it can be recovered by using/implementing some recovery techniques. When a database fails due to any reason then there is a chance of data loss, so in that case recovery process helps in improve the reliability of the database. 

Example: Recuva is a data recovery tool. Using Recuva you can restore lost and deleted files.

Advantages of Recovery

• It prevents permanent loss of data.
• Use of recovery tools is cost-effective.
• Helps in disaster recovery.

Disadvantages of Recovery

• Data Recovery is not always guaranteed.
• The Data Recovery tools may be expensive.
• Using untrustworthy or poorly developed data recovery software increases security risk.

Difference Between Backup and Recovery

Conclusion

Data backup and recovery ensure the safety of data in the event of unexpected failures. Backup involves storing the data separately for protection and recovery means restoring the lost, corrupted, or damaged data to its original state. Both of these processes are important for safeguarding against data loss. Although backup and recovery have costs associated with them, their benefits in terms of data protection and restoration far outweigh these expenses.