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.

Where did the idea for Identia Online come from?

Some time ago I was challenged by the blunt-spoken CEO of a company with whom I was negotiating a strategic partnership to answer a simple question:

He asked: What do we need you for?

The question was confrontational and provocative. It nagged at me during my flight back to Boston and forced me to figure out what our company had that was of real value in the marketplace. In a surprisingly short time I concluded that the most valuable asset we possess is a clear understanding of the process by which architectural sign programs are designed and implemented. A review of this process reveals a characteristic common to all sign programs: multiple stakeholders have a need to create, share, and review loads of information. Stakeholders include building owners, sign companies, architects, designers, general contractors, and product manufacturers. The information includes drawings, sign messages schedules, location plans, specifications, and so on. It was pretty easy to jump from a need to share information to the concept of a website that would facilitate and organize the storage and exchange of that information.

The moral of this little story is not about insight or creativity. It is about the importance of listening carefully to questions, even when they are a little hostile. It is also about trying hard to answer questions honestly. Reflecting back, I have wondered why the concept did not occur to me years ago. I am sure that without the question, Identia Online would not exist today.

Welcome to the Identia blog!

This is the blog for Identia. In this blog, we will cover topics about the Identia Sign System and the Identia Online application. Stay tuned for more updates!