Your Data or Your Dog: Enterprise Backups for Macs

Every IT administrator wants to safeguard their user’s data. But how do you ensure that the tools are being leveraged to their potential? In a university environment where research, academic and personal data are at risk, it... [ view full abstract ]

Every IT administrator wants to safeguard their user’s data. But how do you ensure that the tools are being leveraged to their potential? In a university environment where research, academic and personal data are at risk, it is paramount that this data be protected.

The difficulties in ensuring data reliability for endpoints are discussed and solutions are outlined. The goal of this case study is to demonstrate that as professionals, IT departments are the ultimate agent in maintaining client’s data. With a cradle-to-grave approach to systems management, it is an IT administrator’s responsibility to take the correct measures to ensure this.

Relative cost and risks are compared vis-à-vis in hopes of illuminating the alternatives. Geoff uses real-world, personal examples to give insight into why end-users with the best of intentions still fail to safeguard their data. The technical and business aspects of one university’s decision-making process is evaluated and the chosen solution is discussed.

In this session, IT administrators and decision-makers will gain insight on Simon Fraser University's journey from using a sync service, to no backup, to local backup disks, to an enterprise solution while maintaining our commitment to the reliability and security of our clientele's data.