Keep IT Simplistic For Microsoft Operating Systems Only Who needs it? Why do you need it? What does it do? Last Important Note 1. Who needs Back-IT-Up? The software was designed as a utility for IT Administrators; more specifically for Backup Administrators, but it really has application for any serious IT enthusiast. The software has been tested in the small to medium business environments with great success. Back to top 2. Why do you need Back-IT-Up? Back-IT-Up helps to collate all vital electronic data from multiple locations on the network to one central location on your storage platform (Note: Efficient networks will have a Central Backup Server). In turn a backup of this "local backup" folder or server, to disk or tape, will assure the administrator that a complete backup of all vital data on the network has been completed. The typical network today, is one where users access data on a central storage platform. These Storage platforms are backed up regularly in a multitude of fashions (examples like mirroring, tape and optical) in order to reduce the risk of data loss and to minimize downtime in the event of such a data loss. While the Directors of Companies sleep peaceful at night knowing that they have allocated a great deal of resources to prevent such a data loss; the IT Administrator toss-and-turn at night. What is their concern about? They are concerned about human error and/or disobedience to policies and procedures. Network users are ordinarily instructed to work from the server only and not to store data on their local hard drives. However; ask any IT Administrator, users keep vital documents on their local hard drives. Most often these unaccounted for documents is in their "My Documents" folder or on their desktops. I will give you just one guess who the users are that most often are guilty of these transgressions; executives! Shoe! That is a scary thought. The executives that we trust to steer a company and to lay down the norms, policies and procedures; keep "sensitive" and/or working documents on their local hard drives (The mobile user is most often the guilty party). Back-IT-Up presents a simplistic solution for these frightening scenarios; and that is why you need it. Back to top 3. What does Back-IT-Up do? Back-IT-Up needs a storage location (a folder, drive or server; specifically allocated for this procedure), where all the selected folders will be duplicated to. Direct IP addressing can be typed in (also for using the default shares of hard drives, thus the drive need not be shared for other users to see). The software scans the network creating a backup folder for each terminal on the network, within this folder, labeled under the terminal's "Computer Name". Each machine's backup is thus separate from each other. Once the backup destination location has been selected; the administrator can now start selecting folders of all the terminals on the network. The software allows selection on the "My Network Places", thus the administrator could manage this from his/her personal computer terminal, backing up from all users simultaneously (software handles backup of folders sequentially in the order of selection), with one application, without client and storage administrating software, to a location anywhere on the network (inclusive of an off-site location via a ISP or VPN connection). Sadly only one Backup Location is available at this stage of the software development, but; one has to admit, Back-IT-Up is a powerful app. There is another option which is also advisable: Run a copy of Back-IT-Up on each user's machine (Multi-user and Open Licensing and registration can be negotiated; e-mail thys@back-it-up.za.net for more info). The Software has an option to shut down the PC on completion of the backup process. The advantage here is to run the app at night, then to shut down the Computer. Back to top A.) Ideal Backup Environment for small networks and single users: i.) A separate hard drive for a backup location on small networks is advised. Remember: Keep IT simplistic. ii.) A clearly labeled folder, that is easily identifiable in the explorer tree, is advised for single and/or home users. Please note that Back-IT-Up will backup to a USB flash device. iii.) A monthly backup to CD/DVD/TAPE (at least) is suggested. That way the Backup Folder/Hard Drive can be cleared and the need for storage space will become easily manageable. Back to top B.) Ideal Backup Storage Platform for Medium to Corporate Sized Companies: i.) A Storage Server running at least a RAID5 configuration for its Storage Management Platform. (The Storage Platform should allow for growth in storage space) ii.) A Computer Terminal (or even the Storage Server itself, as it could also handle backups to tape) allocated to run Back-IT-Up, as Back-IT-Up is still somewhat resource "hungry" (working on it though). iii.) A monthly backup to tape (at least) is suggested. That way the tape can be stored offsite, the Backup Location can be cleared and the need for storage space will become easily manageable. Administrator rights needed to access all folders on the network (if active directory is used) Back to top 4. Last Important Note It is absolutely worth your while to register your copy of the product. The annual license/registration fee is very reasonable, and will permit updates. Should you discover a needed or undesired functionality within the software, which you prefer to be added or removed; a request to support@back-it-up.za.net will be logged and forwarded to the developer (Which happen to be my best friend in the world and business partner, Derick Nieuwoudt) Back to top Disclosure and limitation of liability: Please Note that Back-IT-Up has no compression or encryption ability, and that Back-IT-Up, its employees, re-sellers, members, directors and owners, accepts no liability for loss of data, breach of security regarding data or damage to hardware or software at all. The product is thus used at the users own risk. We have the assumption that a qualified IT administrator, with sound knowledge of data protection, retention and security issues and procedures, is administrating these processes.