Why it matters
A backup policy says little until a restore has been rehearsed. Recovery depends on the data store, retention, encryption keys and the steps required to reconnect an application to restored data.
A backup has value only when it can restore the right data within the time a customer can tolerate. Retention, encryption and restore drills should follow an explicit recovery objective.
Decisions to make
- Set recovery point and recovery time targets for each data class.
- Choose retention and region strategy.
- Decide how a single customer is restored without overwriting others.
- Set recovery point and recovery time targets per data store.
- Choose who can request and authorize a restore.
Build checklist
- Automate backups and verify completion.
- Run restore exercises into an isolated environment.
- Record what the exercise recovered and what needed manual repair.
- Run restore drills into an isolated environment.
- Record backup age, failures and restore evidence.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a successful backup job proves that the product can be restored.
- Testing that a backup file exists but never restoring it.
- Restoring one database while related files or events remain at a different point in time.
Tools & references
3 starting points to compare or study. Check fit, maintenance, terms and current capabilities before choosing one.
