In my previous post, I wrote about the ease in which you can create a Linux server with 6Sync. This post explains 6Sync’s strategy for protecting data by backing up a Linux server hosted at their data center.
Depending on your individual needs your strategy (or lack of one) for backing up your data can make a big difference in how or if you can recover when the unexpected happens. There are two different tactics that I am aware of for backing up your data. One is to take a complete snapshot of the file system. The second method is back up each individual file or the blocks in which the data resides. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. What works for you will depend on your specific requirements.
At 6Sync, they are using backup software from R1Soft, which uses a file and block approach for protecting your data. Backups are not enabled by default; you must enable them through their Biscuit management tool.
6Sync’s backup strategy is to store your data offsite at a different data center, which provides another level of protection in the extremely low chance that their main data center goes offline. Prices for backups are based on the amount of storage needed, from 20 GB to 500 GB. Once allocated, the storage is used to preserve your backup files by rotating them every 5 days and weekly for up to 4 weeks at a time.
Backing up every 24 hrs is included in the cost of your plan. If you require backups that occur more frequently you have the choice of backing up every 2, 6 or 12 hours and incur the additional incremental costs for doing so. Additional information about backups and pricing can be found on 6Sync’s blog located here.
Overall, 6Sync has a sound backup strategy that will protect you and your server from unexpected circumstances. Next up will be about my experience with backing up and restoring files.
Updated: Corrected backup storage size option.