• Backup

  • The IBM SP (Storage Protect) backup service provides KIT employees with the ability to perform regular, automatic backups of Windows, Macintosh, and Linux computers.

General Information

Data Backup

When you perform a backup, you create a copy of your current data. This copy serves as a data backup in case of accidental deletion or hardware failure. Data is stored incrementally, meaning that only recent changes are transferred to the backup system. In contrast, archiving stores data long-term as an unalterable complete package. The SCC provides the bwDataArchive service for this purpose. A data backup allows you to restore a computer’s data to the state it was in at the time of the last backup. Depending on your preferences, the backup can be initiated automatically or manually. Set up an appropriate backup routine to protect against data loss in the event of hardware failure. A data backup does not protect against “ransomware”—you should install antivirus software for that—but it does allow you to restore files before they were encrypted. All files that have been modified since the last backup can be restored.

Availability

Data backup and restoration are possible at any time. Depending on the amount of data backed up, restoration may take some time.
The services are not available during scheduled maintenance periods that are announced in advance.

Registration

Registration for the backup service is done via an online form. Users will receive the information needed to install the software and use the service via email along with their registration confirmation.

Consultation

The data backup team will be happy to advise you. See above for contact information.

IT Security

Access to data backup and archiving is password-protected. Depending on the service used, you can log in with your KIT account or a separately provided account. For sensitive data, encrypted transmission and storage are strongly recommended; possible options are listed in the installation instructions. The hardware components (media, drives, etc.) of the backup service are accessible only to SCC administrators. Furthermore, access to the locations where this hardware is housed is possible only with an authorized access card.

Services Included

  • License for the required software.
  • Individual consultation regarding the backup service (setup and general questions).
  • In certain situations, users are notified via email about the status of the service. 

Organizational Requirements

Users must have a valid KIT account (employee, guest, or partner account).

Technical requirements

Costs

The backup and archiving service is part of the basic IT infrastructure. There are currently no costs for users.

Regulations

  • No hard drive images of end devices
  • Devices that have not performed a backup in 180 days will be completely deleted, including all backup data. One week before deletion, an email will be sent warning that the data will be deleted. If this is the user’s last device, the user will also be removed from the backup system. 
  • If a user has not performed a backup within 30 days of registration, that user will be removed from the backup system
  • Backing up to external storage media (CDs, DVDs, USB drives, etc.) is not permitted. If there is a legitimate need, the data may be copied to the hard drive and then backed up.
  • Maintenance window every Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (without prior notice).
    Brief interruptions may occur.

Instructions/Notes