Remote Backup Additional Storage

Initial storage amounts are an estimate only.  Server data typically increases throughout the year and additional space may be consumed. The WNYRIC will monitor the amount of space the backup data occupies throughout the year.  Adjustments of current year participation may be required for backup storage that differ from the initial amount.  If needed, this will occur once annually in November. The district will have the option to adjust participation or reduce data by either altering retention times and file versions or removing data from the backup or server. Any upcoming year's participation increases will be communicated in January. It is important to note that storage amounts used for backup data will in most cases differ from the server storage. Free space is not backed up.   Compression is used when possible.  Multiple copies of data may exist based on data retention policies and data change rates.  Many applications retain history and can be expected to increase storage requirements from year to year, for example email archival.  It is recommended that email and shared file storage quotas are implemented to reduce the storage requirements. Server backups may be configured to filter specific directories or files. 

Please refer to service code 650.892 for full service details.

Planning with district and remote backup team prior to implementation is strongly recommended and required for Mail/Database and VMWare options. The district must designate a primary contact who will receive error notifications and correct them as necessary. WNYRIC staff may be contacted for assistance.

The district should notify the WNYRIC in writing of any changes to the target system operating system, drive configuration, application software, or network modification that may affect the remote backup system. The district technical support person must work with the WNYRIC to determine what files are necessary to be backed up and must be aware of any restrictions that may prevent a successful backup or restore (open files, etc.). Server applications typically should be inactive during this backup, unless using one of the advanced options. The district technical support person must work with the RIC to determine the length of time necessary to retain backed up files to provide adequate server restore. The retention value selected must not consume an inordinate amount of WNYRIC storage resources. The district must provide a technical support person capable of installing the backup software on the server. The district is responsible for data restores and verifying the backup data is adequate for restore of the server.

The district must either remove data or increase their participation if the backup data storage purchased has been exceeded. It is recommended that email and file storage quotas are implemented to reduce the storage requirements.

The WNYRIC staff will work individually with requesting districts to determine the most effective implementation for this service. The WNYRIC will send an encrypted copy of the backup to a secure off-site location. The WNYRIC will provide backup client software and assistance with installation and set-up. The WNYRIC will provide end user documentation and assistance for the backup, verification, and restore processes. The WNYRIC staff will monitor all backups for errors, warnings, and missed jobs and will send notification to the designated district contact if any occur. The remote backup server equipment and software have 24x7 vendor support. The remote backup server equipment is located in a secure data center equipped with 24x7 monitoring, redundant network, and backup power supply.  The backup service staff perform research and testing, attend user group meetings and collaborate with other resources to maintain their technical expertise and utilize best practices for data protection. Staff follow best practices in order to provide necessary security as it relates to the most recent student data security and privacy regulations.  

The WNYRIC utilizes cost effective best practices determined by research that allows our experienced and trained technical staff to perform robust testing and support of the WNYRIC network in the areas of security, infrastructure, energy management, virtualization strategies, disaster recovery and business continuity. Therefore, we are able to be a district advocate for vendor contract issues and aggressively negotiate contract pricing and performance terms.

Staff follows best practices in order to provide necessary security as it relates to the most recent student, teacher and principal data security and privacy regulations.

Service Desk can be reached Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. by calling (716) 821-7171, 1-800-872-0780. A representative will be available from 4:30 p.m. through 11:00 p.m. to assist you with calls regarding emergency situations. During all other hours and holidays, a caller will receive important information regarding coverage.