Backup Storage on Dedicated Servers

OVHcloud’s backup storage solution

Our backup storage solution is a backup storage space based on NFS technology. It has 500 GB capacity and is included free with every OVHcloud dedicated server. This backup storage is perfect for storing high volumes of data and configuration files. It also gives you a space to keep your data when you need to reinstall the server. With file access protocols, such as NFS or CIFS, you can mount your volume locally on the machine and manage files as if they were on a local disk. You can also automate backups using simple scripts by pushing data to your backup storage.

Discover more OVHcloud storage solutions

We offer a range of dedicated object storage, file storage, block storage, archive storage and backup storage options* to help you store your files, folders and data in a scalable, secure and cost-effective way. So whether you need to archive your files for a long time or an unlimited space to store large datasets, we have a storage solution suitable for you.
Click the links above for more information or contact us to learn more.

(* Unlike the 500 GB backup storage discussed on this page, these solutions are billed monthly and are not included free with a dedicated server. [bottom of the page after ‘Your questions answered’])

Why choose OVHcloud’s backup storage solution

Our dedicated servers come with 500 GB free backup storage to store and back up your files. This is useful for both individuals and organisations who want to ensure they can restore their data easily in the event of a disaster, cyberattack, or system failure.

Using our backup storage offers the following benefits:

Cost savings

We include 500 GB of free backup storage space with your dedicated server, which can be increased up to 10 TB for an additional fee. This also cuts the amount of time and money you spend on maintenance, as the backup storage solution is fully managed.

Simplicity

Once you’ve ordered a dedicated server, you can start scheduling backups straight away. Easily connect to your backup server (we support FTP, FTPS, NFS and CIFS protocols) and configure your settings via the OVHcloud Control Panel.

Security

With OVHcloud, your data sovereignty is guaranteed, as all our solutions comply with the strict regulations of EU data protection laws, such as the GDPR. Our servers come with anti-DDoS Protection and are housed in datacentres with robust on-site security. Also, we hold several globally recognised security certifications, including ISO, SOC, PCI DSS and CSA STAR.

Reliability

Our servers offer high availability and a stable network connection. Compared to shared hosting, backup storage on a dedicated server reduces the risk of failure and other system errors, protecting your data from loss, corruption and accidental deletion.

Choosing the best backup storage or provider

There are multiple backup storage methods to choose from. Picking the best backup storage solution will depend on your specific needs (organisation or individual), such as budget, data volume, accessibility, and recovery time requirements.

Here are some of the most common types of backup storage and their benefits:

Cloud storage

Cloud storage keeps your backup data on remote servers managed by a cloud provider. It’s flexible, easy to scale, and accessible via the internet, including from mobile devices. With features like encryption, automation and versioning, it’s a practical choice for teams that need secure backup storage they can access from almost anywhere.

Backup server

A backup server is a physical on-premises machine used for backup storage. It stores copies of files from devices, servers or other areas of your network. With backup software, you can manage backups in one place, automate tasks, improve security, and restore data faster if something goes wrong.

External hard drives and removable media

External hard drives and removable media, such as USB drives, give you a simple way to copy and store backup data. They’re easy to use, but they have limits. Storage capacity can be restricted, devices can be lost or damaged, and they usually don’t offer the security or automation that businesses need. That’s why a lot of today’s organisations forbid their employees from using these devices for backup storage.

Network attached storage (NAS)

Network attached storage, or NAS, gives teams a central place to store and access backup data on a network. Multiple users and devices can share the same backup storage, making it easier to manage files. Many NAS solutions also include useful security and automation features, with lower power use than traditional servers.

Tape storage

Traditional tape storage (where data is stored on tape drives) is mostly used for long-term backup storage and archiving. It may be an older method, but it still has a place, especially for organisations that need to keep files for years. It’s cost-effective, durable, energy efficient, and can be stored offline to help protect data from cyberattacks, ransomware, or unauthorised access.

Primary vs backup server: know the difference

Primary servers and backup servers are different types of servers that perform different functions within an organisation’s IT infrastructure.

The purpose of a primary server is to host the core apps, services and data that an organisation relies on for its day-to-day operations. For example, it could host websites, databases, or business-critical apps on servers. Since these servers are used daily, the data on the main server store is readily accessible, and the server is optimised for peak performance.

A backup server, on the other hand, is exclusively for storing backups, holding copies from the main server and other areas of the network. Data stored on a backup server isn’t as easily accessible as a main server, as it’s only required when a disaster or other incident occurs. Infrequent access to files on a backup server means it doesn’t require the same processing power as a primary server.

Start strong with a backup server on your dedicated server

Getting started with a backup server involves planning, choosing suitable hardware and software, and configuring settings to meet your specific needs. Here’s a basic guide to help you get started:

1. Define your enterprise data requirements

Select the files you want backed up, set the backup schedule, choose the desired retention period (i.e., retention policy). This will help you decide which solutions to choose for your enterprise data requirements.

2. Choose backup hardware and software

A backup server requires hardware, which is often a physical server, but can also be an external hard drive, tape drive, or network attached storage (NAS) solution. When assessing different backup hardware solutions, remember to ensure there’s enough capacity to accommodate your data. To manage your backups, you’ll also need to select backup software. When comparing software solutions, consider which features you need, such as security, automation, scheduling, monitoring, ease of use, and integration with existing infrastructure.

3. Install and configure the backup software

Now that you’ve chosen your backup server solutions, it’s time to install the backup software on the server. Configure the settings to suit your needs, identify which data sources to back up, set up schedules for automated backups, and monitoring to alert you to failures. This is also the time to implement security measures, such as access controls and encryption.

4. Document your backup processes

Create documentation about your backup process, including schedules, configurations and recovery procedures. Ensure your team understands what to do in terms of management, security, and recovery in the event of an incident.

5. Regularly test, review and update

Regularly check your logs and reports for issues and perform test backups to ensure your process works and files can be restored successfully. Finally, keep your backup software current with necessary updates, and routinely assess your entire backup plan. This plan will need to adapt to your business’s growth, new technologies and increasing data volumes.
Back

Your questions answered

How does dedicated server backup storage work?

Dedicated server backup storage is storage space for storing copies of your dedicated server data. It protects your files, databases, apps and system data, so they can be restored if anything goes wrong. It’s a simple way to support data protection and business continuity.

What is backup storage?

Backup storage is a physical or virtual space used to keep duplicate copies of your data. For dedicated servers, backup storage can protect websites, databases, critical files and full systems. It helps you recover faster after data loss, corruption, cyberattacks or technical issues.

Which storage is best for backup?

The best storage for backup depends on how quickly you need to restore data, how much capacity you need, and how often files are accessed. Dedicated server backup storage is a strong option for server backups, as it keeps backup data separate from your primary server and helps reduce disruption.

What is a backup server?

A backup server is a machine used to store copies of data from other servers, computers or devices on a network. It usually runs backup software to manage tasks like scheduling and recovery. For dedicated servers, backup storage helps ensure key data can be restored when something goes wrong.