Data Storage, Backup & Recovery
Data Storage | Backup & Recovery | Archiving | Consultation
Data Storage
All employees of Arts & Sciences are provided with home directories for data storage on network-based file servers. These servers are accessible from any computer connected to the Internet, whether at Duke or off-campus.
Shared data storage directories for administrative use are also available. To request shared directories, contact your departmental IT support staff.
All Duke employees have access to centralized storage space through the Andrew File System (AFS). Storage for class projects is also available in Blackboard and iTunes U, a collaborative effort between Duke and Apple. Streaming media services are provided by Duke's Digital Media Solutions group. These services are accessed with your NetID.
File storage for research programs may be available at the department, A&SIST, or University level. See Consultation, below.
If you are unsure whether you have or need access to specific data storage resources, consult your IT support staff, or contact the Help Desk. For more information about what resources are available and how to access or request them, see the Accounts page.
Backup & Recovery
A&SIST protects users from data loss due to accidental file deletion or corruption by backing up file servers daily.
A&SIST will make every effort to restore data accidentally lost from A&SIST servers based on the following considerations (note that restore time varies depending on how long the file has been missing or corrupted):
- Daily disk-based snapshots: Daily replicae of directories are accessible for a period of up to two weeks. These snapshots are stored on servers and do not require mounting tapes. File restore time: within 1 business day.
- Daily tape-based backups: A&SIST retains a daily stream of backups on tape for a period of three months. File restore time: within 2 business days.
- Monthly tape-based backups: A&SIST retains monthly copies of all server-based data for a period of one year. File restore time: within 7 business days.
To request restoration of a lost file or directory, the user should submit a request through the Help Desk. The request should include as much identifying information as possible, including the server, directory and specific file name; when the file was lost; and, if possible, when the file was created and last modified.
Archiving
Some administrative functions and grant specifications require retaining data for an extended period. A&SIST will work with individual users and groups to meet these specifications. See Consultation, below.
Consultation
Faculty and administrative or research groups with special data storage needs should consult with their departmental IT staff to identify an appropriate solution. Factors to consider include:
- the nature of the data
- how much storage is needed
- any special privacy/security considerations
- what frequency of backup is required
- any archiving requirements
- how the data will be accessed
- who will need access