This article will introduce you to continuous data preservation. We’ll also discuss the benefits of this system. We will also examine how continuous data protection works. This includes the types of data that can easily be backed-up and CDP topologies.
CDP will have its benefits such as the ability to track every write and copy to the target, and its capacity for preserving a record of each data transaction. However, there are also drawbacks like the possibility of a single point of failure or increased data resource consumption.
Learn more about Cloudian and how it can protect your data.
What is Continuous Data Protection?
Continuous Data Protection (CDP) also known as continuous backup, is a system that backs up data every time there is a change to a computer system. CDP keeps a record of all data changes, making it possible to restore the system to any point in the past.
This eliminates the risk of organizations losing data that was created between two scheduled backups. It provides strong protection against malware, ransomware, and sabotage as well as accidental deletion. This is necessary to comply with strict data protection regulations.
Also read: Top 10 Data Protection Software for 2023
Near CDP vs True CDP Solutions
There are two types of CDP solutions.
- True CDP – Actually, every change is backed up. This allows organizations to reach a Recovery Point Object(RPO) of zero.
- Near CDP – A regular backup system that runs scheduled backups frequently but not every day is closer to continuous data protection. RPO will be greater than zero and equal to the time between scheduled backups.
How Does Continuous Data Protection Work?
Continuous data protection copies the delta, any data changes from source to destination. Continuous data protection systems keep track of every write and save it in a CDP changelog. CDP stores all change up to the last write before failure. This allows you to restore to that point, or any point before it was lost or corrupted.
Types of data that can be backed up
Continuous data protection systems can be used to record and back up any type of data.
- Files in your file systems
- Files and data from applications
- Databases
CDP Topologies
Commonly, the target disk is located in the same network as the source. This allows users to quickly recover data. Off-site replication is another topology that provides greater protection but also introduces more latency.
CDP solutions can be replicated in two locations: one on-site to speed up recovery, and another off-site to support disaster recovery.
Also read: What is BUaaS (Backup as a Service): Benefits, Important and Features
Benefits and Drawbacks of CDP Backup
Continuous data protection is an effective concept that can help organizations achieve secure storage. However, it also presents many operational challenges.
Benefits of continuous data protection
- Keeps track of every write and copy to the target- changes are also kept in a log. This allows you to “replay” the data at any time.
- Keeps track of each data transaction – this is essential for compliance and auditing, as well as for forensics in the event of security incidents.
- Disaster recovery– Continuous data protection is an essential component of a disaster recovery plan. The continuous data protection backup can be replicated frequently in remote data centers.
- Version control– Continuous Data Protection allows multiple versions of each file to be kept, allowing users and creators to roll back to earlier versions.
Challenges of continuous data protection
- Disk-based– Continuous data protection solutions require fast disk drives, which may require a significant investment in physical disk storage.
- Single point of failure — A continuous data protection server could become a single point for failure in an enterprise. So make sure you have high data availability.
- Increased load on data resources– Continuous data protection effectively doubles data throughput, because every data transaction needs to be saved immediately for backup. Continuous data protection will not protect critical resources that are already loaded. This can cause performance or stability problems.
