BackupServices

Backups are critical for avoiding data disasters. There are numerous tools and methodologies for managing backups and synchronizing data. They can vary greatly depending on the user's operating system (Linux, MacOSX, or Windows), but many of the underlying transfer mechanisms are now shared by tools like BackupPC, Unison, and WinSCP. Users of MacOSX now have an easy-to-use utility in Apple's Time Machine. Whichever method is used, it is imperative that a normalized procedure be used to keep your data fresh and secure.

In April 2008 Dan Connolly surveyed the current state of backups in W3C. The results of that survey are available for review. The results highlight the diversity of backup practices and methods team staff employ, and indicate the gaps where assistance is needed for some toward developing useful backup strategies.

The questions that were asked were:

• Do you need backup support?
• How do you back up your W3C work?
• Where do you keep your current email?
• What is your computing platform?