There's an old saying in IT... a backup is worthless if you don't regularly check it and try to restore from it.
With so many companies now outsourcing their servers to the cloud - either Amazon, Google or Microsoft - it is easy to become complacent and assume that backups are automatically done and checked. In most cases, though, this won't be the case and the cloud server provider will only offer a backup and restore service for an extra fee. If you're not paying that fee, you probably don't have a backup!
For our asbestos software (Alpha Tracker) clients, if we have organised the hosting in Amazon or Fasthosts for you we will also be backing up your data and we will be testing those backups, typically monthly. We are now writing to our clients every quarter to confirm the backup situation so that there is no doubt or potential for confusion.
However, if you have organised your own in-house server, or are paying Amazon or Fasthosts yourself for a cloud server, do not assume that "someone" will be backing up your server and regularly checking it can be restored. Check your arrangements as a matter of urgency and make doubly sure that your backup is in place and secure.
If you need any help or advice, please do contact Elaine in the office and she will be able to assist.
Alpha Validator update released
The automated survey data checking feature within asbestos software Alpha Tracker (known as "AlphaValidator") has been updated again. This follows on from the update released on 11 December (more info here ). an example of AlphaValidator's data check output This update - v1.0.74 SVN25 - is ready now to download from our website and improves the way photos of asbestos samples are validated . Please do contact the Start Software Support Desk (available 24x7!) if you would like help installing the update.
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