Backups vs. Versioning

"What about backups?"

This is a question that is often asked when we are conducting demos of Identia Online. Sometimes there is some confusion between "backups" and "versioning". The short answer is that Identia Online conducts backups but has no versioning.

We back up our database nightly to another server as part of our disaster recovery program. In addition, any newly uploaded files (plans, My Storage files, etc.) are backed up to a third server. Therefore, if there is a critical server malfunction with our primary application server that requires recovery, we can restore the entire system back to the previous day’s data backup.

These backups are really intended to protect your data in the event of catastrophe. We do not systematically do any account level backups — or versioning — for individual subscribers. In terms of your data, what you see on the site is what you get. This means that you cannot revert back to a version of your project’s data from the previous night.

This versioning is very complicated to do technically in a database application such as Identia Online. It’s also why Identia Online does not have an Undo features. Both of these features are nearly impossible to implement in an online database-driven system. However, the advantage an online system is that your data is always up to date and current. You don’t have to worry about what version of the data you are looking at. Versions can sometimes be a blessing and a curse.

One of the things that we are exploring is giving subscribers the ability to backup their data to their own servers and systems. This would provide any additional level of protection knowing that your data was backed up on your own system as well as ours. We will update you on any developments as we explore this area more thoroughly.

Finally, we realize that unintentional mistakes do happen with software. If you do find that you have mistakenly deleted an entire project, or committed an equally significant mistake with your data, please do not hesitate to contact us immediately. We may be able to recover and salvage your data.