Snapshot vs Backup: Which Data Protection Method is Better?

• What is a Backup?

• 3 Different Types of Backup and Their Features

• What is a Snapshot?

• Key Differences Between Snapshot vs Backup

• Combine Snapshots and Backups for Stronger Data Protection

• Backup vs Snapshot: Pros and Cons of Data Protection Methods

• Snapshot vs Backup: Which Data Protection Method is Right for You?

• FAQs

• Summary

What is a Backup?

A Backup is a secondary copy of your digital files, designed to protect you from data loss. This copy can be accessed in the event your primary device.

A backup copies and stores data in secondary storage. A full backup is a complete copy of all system files. Its process includes:

• Choosing

• Extracting

• Saving data safely.

Unlike VMware snapshots, backups protect live data. They work with open files, supporting compression, encryption, and duplication to secure data. Users can restore complete files, applications, or system settings.

Keeping multiple backup copies on different storage units lowers the loss. The following are the backup storage options:

• Removable media – USB drives

• External hard drives

• Network Attached Storage (NAS)

• Cloud storage

• Backup software

A strong backup plan keeps data safe. Backups can be stored on physical devices or AWS data backup solutions.

3 Different Types of Backup and Their Features

1. Full Backup

A full backup creates a complete copy of all system data. It includes files, applications, and system settings. This provides strong data protection but takes more storage space to complete. For example, Mayo Clinic uses a complete backup of its database. All the patients and the hospital perform a full backup every weekend. It ensures that all files included in the backup can be restored quickly.

Key Features:

• Best for backup and recovery to prevent data loss.

• The fastest recovery since all data is stored in one file.

• Common in backup systems that require complete data protection.

2. Incremental Backup

An incremental backup saves only new or modified files. It is the last backup (full or partial backup). This reduces storage use and speeds up the backup process. The restoration takes longer because multiple backup files are needed. For example, Google Cloud Platform (GCP) uses partial backup strategies. It helps to protect Google Drive user data.

Key Features:

• Saves storage space by backing up only changed files.

• Requires a full backup + all incremental backups for recovery.

• Backup applications use this method to optimize efficiency.

3. Differential Backup

A differential backup stores all changes since the last full backup. It grows in size over time but makes restoration easier compared to other backups. For example, Amazon Web Services (AWS) uses partial update backups for:

• EC2 instances

• RDS databases

• S3 storage in its AWS Record Backup service.

Key Features:

• Faster recovery than partial backups since fewer files are needed.

• Uses more storage than partial backups but simplifies restoration.

• It captures all changes for quick rollback.

What is a Snapshot?

A Snapshot is a point-in-time copy of your data. It helps to capture the state of your system or virtual machine (VM) at a specific moment.

A Snapshot saves its state and information at a specific time. It does not create a separate data copy. It only saves the difference between the current state and the original data. The snapshot file can be an image, volume, or database file. It restores a VM, disk, or system to an operational state.

Users can take a snapshot before making changes. They can roll back data to its previous condition if an issue occurs. They do not replace backups because they depend on the original snapshot storage.

• Uses of Snapshots

  1. Testing and development environments: It is used to restore test environments fast. This prevents changes from affecting the central system.

  2. System configuration changes: This is taken before modifying system settings. If an issue occurs, users can quickly revert to the previous state.

  3. Disaster recovery: A storage snapshot helps restore data after hardware failure or a power outage. It helps to reduce downtime.

  4. File versioning: Users can restore a prior snapshot to recover an earlier version. It helps undo unwanted changes.

Key Differences Between Snapshot vs Backup

Combine Snapshots and Backups for Stronger Data Protection

Using both snapshots and backups together improves data security and ensures system reliability.

1. Snapshots: Fast Recovery

Snapshots are used for testing, development, and fast recovery. They capture a system’s state at a specific time, making them ideal for short-term rollbacks. They depend on the primary storage. If storage fails, the snapshot is deleted, and recovery is impossible.

For example, IBM Cloud Services uses VM snapshots to test software updates. This was done before applying them to live environments. Engineers take a snapshot of virtual machines before making changes. If the update causes problems, they restore the last snapshot to fix the issue. However, if the primary storage is lost, the snapshot becomes useless. In the end, the data cannot be recovered.

2. Backups: Long-Term Protection

Backups ensure long-term data protection. They create independent copies stored off-site, in the cloud, or on external devices. They also protect against system failures, corruption, and accidental deletions.

For example, Meta (formerly Facebook) uses Nakivo Backup to protect user data. This includes user messages and media. These backups are stored in multiple data centers. If one location has a hardware failure, Meta can restore backup copies from another center. It helps to prevent record loss and keeps services running.

3. Combining Snapshots and Backups

Combining both methods improves disaster recovery. Snapshots save changes for quick restores, while backups provide complete data recovery.

For example, Airbus uses snapshots to create real-time backups of flight data collected from aircraft sensors. Snapshot creation helps engineers analyze errors quickly. Airbus keeps complete backups for long-term data protection. However, storing data for too long can negatively affect system performance.

Backup vs Snapshot: Pros and Cons of Data Protection Methods

1. Backup

• Pros:

  1. Reliable Storage Options: Backups are helpful for quick rollbacks. They ensure long-term protection and can be stored onsite, offsite, or in the cloud for better security.

  2. Easy Access & Full Control: You can manage and recover backup data anytime. They allow complete recovery even if snapshot copies are lost.

  3. Flexible Recovery: Choose from multiple backup types based on your needs. They provide full data recovery.

  4. Long-Term Protection: They last longer and protect against record loss than snapshots.

• Cons:

  1. Takes More Time: Performing complete backups on large data volumes takes longer. Third-party backup tools automate the process and ensure full data recovery.

  2. Temporary Network Load: Backup activity can slow down networks during business hours. Network acceleration features help reduce the impact, making backups more reliable than snapshots.

2. Snapshots

• Pros:

  1. Quick Creation: You can take snapshots instantly without impacting the system. However, this feature is not replaced temporarily and is not a replacement for backups.

  2. Instant Rollback: Restore a VM snapshot to a specific timespoint. It does not protect against complete system failures like a backup would.

• Cons:

  1. High Storage Usage: They can negatively affect storage if kept too long. Unlike backups, they must be deleted after a few days to avoid system slowdowns.

  2. Short-Term Retention: Subsequent snapshots slow down network performance. They cannot provide long-term data protection like backups.

  3. Risk of Data Loss: If the disks for each snapshot are lost, the snapshot is deleted. This makes the recovery impossible. Backups remain independent and can restore lost data.

  4. Dependency on Source Data: They are generally tied to the original system. If the source file is deleted, it becomes useless. A backup involves storing data separately to allow full recovery.

Snapshot vs Backup: Which Data Protection Method is Right for You?

A snapshot is taken to capture the state of a system at a specific point. It is helpful for quick testing and short-term recovery. They depend on the original storage and can negatively affect storage performance. Their management is needed because snapshots are not designed for long-term data protection.

A backup is created as a complete and independent copy of data. It can be stored offsite, in the cloud, or on external devices. Backups and snapshots work together, but backups provide full data recovery. Backups take longer to create and offer long-term protection against:

• System failures

• Cyber threats

• Accidental deletions.

Unlike a backup, a snapshot cannot replace a complete recovery solution. For proper data security, make a backup to ensure full protection and prevent record loss.

FAQs

1. Why should you generate a backup instead of relying on snapshots?

Snapshots are useful for short-term recovery but do not replace record backup. If the system crashes, snapshots are lost, and recovery is impossible. To prevent data loss, always make a backup for secure and complete restoration.

2. Can VMware snapshots replace a complete backup?

VMware does not support snapshots as a backup alternative. It only saves temporary changes. Backups store data separately, ensuring recovery even if the primary system fails.

3. How does AWS Data Backup differ from snapshots?

AWS data backup offers solutions that store copies separately for full recovery. Snapshots to backup a system depend on the primary storage and are unreliable for disaster recovery. Backups are a safer option.

4. How long should snapshots be kept?

A snapshot may be kept for a few days to save space. The time the snapshot was taken determines how useful it is. Backups can be stored for months or years for better protection.

5. What happens if another snapshot is recorded without deleting the old one?

Storage use increases if another snapshot is recorded without deleting the previous one. The snapshot is captured as a dependency. It cannot work alone. Backups provide complete, independent recovery solutions.

Summary

Snapshot vs Backup serve different roles in data protection. Backups provide complete data security, while snapshots are helpful for temporary recovery. Consider the following when selecting the best method:

• Choose Snapshots for quick rollbacks and short-term fixes. They allow fast recovery if needed and require proper handling.

• Choose Backups for long-term data protection and complete recovery. They store snapshot data separately, keeping it safe even if the primary system fails. They are ideal for businesses, disaster recovery, and secure offsite storage.

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