This article describes in detail the Child, Parent, Grandparent backup cycle.
When performed according to the following instructions, the Child/Parent/Grandparent backup method offers iron-clad security against loss of data.
Backup Name | Frequency | Storage Location | Description |
Child | Daily | Current set on-site, others off | Four sets of media, each with four sub-sets sufficient to backup data (typically using a differential or incremental backup) Monday through Thursday. Rotate the four sets so a different one is used each week and rotate the sub-sets so a different one is used each day. |
Parent | Weekly | Off-site | Five sets of media, each with sufficient capacity for a full back-up. Rotate the sets, using one each Friday of the month to make a full back-up. |
Grandparent | Monthly | Off-site | Twelve sets of media, each with sufficient capacity for a full back-up. Rotate the sets, using one for a full back-up on the last Friday of each month of the year. |