Backup Services for Desktop Computers and Servers

Service Description
ITS installs an automated service for creating backup copies of files stored on desktop and laptop computers, as well as local area network (LAN) server computers. Backup protects data from being lost due to disasters, system crashes, security breaches, and human error. ITS assists department employees in restoring files from backup as necessary.

The software program used for the backup service is called Tivoli Storage Manager (TSM). TSM runs at a pre-determined time each day - when the computer is turned on - and offers a user interface for retrieving backup copies if files are lost for any reason. The backed-up data can be accessed by the TSM software and restored to the desktop or server through the local area network connection. TSM is supported on Windows, Mac OS, and most UNIX/Linux platforms.

Desktop Backup:
The standard program provides daily backup of certain files. Desktop backup services are provided to all Oakland-based UCOP employees.

Server Backup:
ITS installs TSM on server systems when departments require backup and restore of critical data housed on the server. After the service has been implemented and the initial full backup of a server has been completed, only incremental backups are performed, i.e., when changes are made to files or directories. The incremental backup schedule is described below:

  • TSM retains backup file copies for up to five of the most recently modified versions, or for up to fourteen days - whichever comes first. For example:
  •   If a file is modified regularly over fourteen days, the five most recent versions are retained.
  •   If no changes have been made to a file in the last fourteen days, the current version is retained as backup.
  •   If a file has been modified only once ever, the modified version is retained as backup.
  •   If a file has never been modified, only the original version is saved as a backup copy.
  • No more than five versions are ever retained.
  • Files that have been deleted can be recovered up to 28 days later.

Customized backup requirements will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

Charges for server backup services are based on the amount of data being backed up, rather than stored, as shown in the table below.

Servers with Backup Data
Charge
< 50 GB
$1,500/yr
> 50 GB but < 340 GB
$2,400/yr
> 340 GB
$8/GB/yr

How to Obtain Server Backup Services

Contact the Technology Service Desk.