Every FocalPoint installation comes with a “FocalPoint Server Manager” that is installed on your server. The FocalPoint Server Manager has a built in backup routine that backs up your FocalPoint database and associated files to the C:\FocalPt\Backups folder on your server. These backup files will not be automatically sent off-site, so if some event (theft, vandalism, water damage, fire, etc.) harms your server, then your backups will be of no use to you if they remain on the server. Your responsibility is to copy them from your server to some other external area so that they can be used for restoration in the event of a server malfunction.
If you do not see your backup files in the C:\FocalPt\Backups folder on your server, please contact Visum’s support department immediately.
Here are some options that you can explore to copy your FocalPoint backups to an external area. Implementing multiple options is always acceptable.
Manually copy the backup files to a flash drive or external backup drive
Plug a small flash drive or external backup drive into your server. Copy and paste your backup files from the backups folder (mentioned previously) to the external drive. Eject the external drive after the copy is complete, and keep it with you. Do not leave the external drive in the building.
Configure the FocalPoint Server Manager to back up to an external drive instead of the server
Plug a small flash drive or external backup drive into your server. Open the FocalPoint Server Manager and click on the “Processes” button. Change the Backup Location to the external drive location. Using this method it is often best to have TWO external drives and get into a “rotation” routine.
Sign up for an online backup service
Visum does not have a “go to” backup service recommendation, but we often see customers using one of the following online backup services:
Carbonite www.carbonite.com
IDrive www.idrive.com/
If you choose to subscribe to an online backup service, we recommend that you work directly with the service provider on the best ways to configure their software.
If you need any help with finding your backup files, using the FocalPoint Server Manager, or learning how to copy and paste files from the server to an external drive, or if you simply want us to help you confirm that your backup procedures are appropriate, please do not hesitate to contact us.
