8 Data Backup Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Simon Taylor’s experience as CEO of HYCU, a company at the forefront of SaaS data protection, shapes this book’s deep dive into the escalating challenges of safeguarding SaaS data. You’ll gain a clear understanding of how traditional data protection systems are failing under the pressure of exponential SaaS growth, with detailed case studies from organizations like the Boston Red Sox and Bain Capital illustrating real-world stakes and solutions. Taylor doesn’t just highlight problems; he explores innovative strategies and emerging platforms that are redefining how enterprises manage and protect their SaaS workloads. This book suits IT leaders and security professionals seeking to grasp the evolving landscape of data protection in the cloud era.

What happens when a seasoned IT professional distills two decades of hands-on experience into an accessible guide? James Bernstein takes you through the basics and nuances of cloud storage, covering popular platforms like Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, and Google Drive with clear explanations in dedicated chapters. You’ll gain practical knowledge about how cloud storage functions, plus insights to choose the right service for your home or small business needs. This book suits anyone aiming to demystify cloud storage technologies without getting lost in jargon, making it a solid pick if you want to understand and safely manage your files in the cloud.

This personalized book explores the full spectrum of data backup practices, focusing on your unique IT environment and objectives. It examines fundamental concepts like backup types and storage options, progressing to advanced techniques such as automation, cloud integration, and disaster recovery planning tailored specifically for your systems. With this tailored guide, you'll navigate complex backup challenges efficiently, uncovering nuances that match your experience and goals. By addressing your individual needs and background, the book reveals how to build resilient, effective data protection routines. It bridges expert knowledge with your specific context, offering a focused pathway through the essential principles and practical considerations for mastering backup management.

Drawing from over two decades of hands-on experience in network and systems architecture, Chris Childerhose developed this guide to navigate the complexities of Veeam Backup & Replication version 11. You learn to implement advanced data protection strategies such as Continuous Data Protection (CDP), hardened repositories for immutability, and disaster recovery orchestration with Veeam Orchestrator. The book also dives into optimizing backup jobs, Linux proxy enhancements, and leveraging Veeam ONE for monitoring and reporting, making it particularly useful for IT professionals managing virtualized environments. If you're looking to deepen your understanding of securing cloud, virtual, and on-premises data, this book offers concrete technical knowledge without overpromising.

When Leo A Notenboom realized how confusing backing up data could be for everyday users, he wrote this book to simplify the process using tools already at your fingertips. You learn how to create and restore image backups, set up continuous file history, and integrate cloud solutions like OneDrive to safeguard your files against threats like ransomware. Chapters also guide you through free third-party alternatives such as EaseUS Todo, ensuring you're prepared even if Windows changes its built-in options. This book suits anyone wanting straightforward, practical methods to protect their digital life without needing expensive software or technical expertise.

Robert G. Freeman, an Oracle Certified Professional and Oracle ACE, leverages his extensive experience at Oracle Corporation to deliver a detailed guide on RMAN for Oracle Database 12c. This book equips you with precise methods to implement and optimize RMAN, covering everything from command-line operations to GUI usage, automation of backups, and advanced recovery techniques such as Oracle Flashback. Notably, it addresses new features in Oracle 12c, cloud integration, performance tuning, and security considerations, making it a resource for database administrators seeking to safeguard critical data effectively. While deeply technical, its structured workshops and examples guide you through complex operations, making it suitable for those aiming to master Oracle RMAN in diverse environments.

This personalized book explores the essential steps to secure and restore data effectively, tailored to your background and goals. It covers the fundamentals of data backup, types of recovery, and critical preparatory actions, then guides you through a focused 30-day plan designed to build reliable backup routines and rapid restoration capabilities. By concentrating on your specific interests and current skill level, this book ensures you gain practical knowledge and confidence in safeguarding your data against loss. It examines various backup technologies and recovery scenarios, emphasizing hands-on approaches and troubleshooting techniques that align with your unique context. This tailored guide reveals how to create robust data protection habits and recover quickly when disaster strikes, making complex concepts accessible and actionable.

Darl Kuhn, a senior Oracle database administrator with extensive hands-on experience, brings a deeply practical perspective to the crucial task of data recovery in Oracle environments. This book offers a clear, example-based guide through RMAN, Oracle's Recovery Manager, focusing on the many backup and recovery scenarios DBAs face daily. You explore specific recipes for handling everything from basic backups to complex recovery situations, making it an indispensable tool when time and precision matter most. If your role involves managing Oracle databases and ensuring data integrity under pressure, this book provides the exact scripts and explanations you need to navigate those high-stakes moments.

When Shawn McGehee noticed the relentless pressure on DBAs to guarantee database availability, he set out to clarify the core of their responsibility: reliable backup and restore processes. This book walks you through practical methods for using SQL Server Management Studio, T-SQL scripts, and Red Gate's SQL Backup tool, focusing on automating backups and setting up alerts to catch problems early. You'll gain a solid grasp of disaster recovery planning, including crafting a tested restoration strategy that minimizes downtime. If you manage SQL Server environments, this book lays out the essentials to keep your data safe and recoverable without overcomplicating the process.

What happens when big data expertise meets practical backup strategies? Gaurav Barot, Chintan Mehta, and Amij Patel bring their technical know-how to the table with a focused guide on Hadoop backup and recovery. You’ll find detailed insights into managing data resilience within Hadoop ecosystems, including methods to safeguard distributed storage and restore services efficiently. Chapters dive into configuring backup tools and executing recovery plans, making it clear who benefits: system administrators and data engineers handling large-scale Hadoop deployments. This book doesn’t just outline concepts—it walks you through the operational realities of preserving critical data in complex environments.