Continuous data protection (CDP) differs from traditional backup recovery software in one essential way: whereas backup methods require data to be copied to another entity, such as a tape or a disk, CDP data is copied and then stored on the local storage area network (SAN) or the network-attached storage (NAS) system. CDP works by making frequent, incremental copies of the data itself. Essentially, CDP tracks every change made and captures continuous changes to data. CDP serves as a baseline reference to the original state of the data, it tracks the state of a file when a change occurs and tracks the change in the backup system, and it allows granular recovery for multiple point-in-time states of the data.[1] When an incident occurs and backup recovery is necessary, CDP allows the user to go back and reset a file, dataset, or entire database to the state it was in before. So, should CDP replace traditional backup methods?

Pros

• Using CDP after the initial setup does not require intensive IT training and the backed up files can be easily accessed by the average desktop and/or laptop user.
• CDP integrates into established data protection frameworks very easily and can protect data on other storage tiers.
• CDP preserves a record of every change made to a computer.
• If a system becomes infected with a virus or a while is corrupted and the problem is not discovered until later, it is still possible to recover the most recent clean copy of the affected file.[2]
• Data recovery is possible in a manner of seconds, much less time than with other backup systems. However, this is contingent on file size and network speed.
• Installing CDP hardware does not put existing data at risk. Furthermore, there is no gap in data when a restore occurs.

Tim Lasonde is a jack of all trades at NSK. Since starting at the company as an IT Associate in 2001, Tim has held almost every job title, eventually becoming President in 2009. He truly understands the inner workings of all of the departments and knows exactly how to make the entire NSK operation run smoothly.

Are you extremly sad to learn that you missed the cloud computing lunch and learn hosted by NSK Inc. in October? If so, you're in luck because on December 7th, 2011 at 11:30AM NSK Inc., in conjunction with Axcient and the Boston Business Journal, will be presenting another free lunch and learn that will teach the basics of cloud computing solutions. 

Ryan’s position as an IT manager at NSK Inc. has him serving two roles: first, as an account manager for several managed services clients, and, second, as the manager of the Projects Department. The Projects Department, which is new to NSK this year, serves as a separate branch of the company where all IT projects are managed and performed. Typical projects include server replacements, firewall installations, remote office setups, enterprise wireless installations, client moves, and any other larger-scale IT projects.

Tim’s role as an IT consultant at NSK differs from other IT Associates here in that instead of managing IT services at certain client sites, Tim designs and implements entire IT projects. These projects involve long-term planning and collaboration with vendors, clients, and other resources. Tim’s job revolves around his grasp of IT project management skills. When clients ask for work to be done, Tim organizes the efforts to get the project going. He is responsible for writing the scope of work, figuring out what labor and parts are needed, and determining vendors and pricing.