Research & Critical Data Backup
Users are responsible for responsibly backing up their data at all times. This page details several approved methods and their respective pros and cons. This guidance applies to workstations and servers.
All university data must be in full compliance at all times with Data Management Regulation REG 08.00.03. For additional helpful information, please consult the Data Management Framework page.
OIT offers a tool to help guide users to the proper type of storage for their situation. You can access Storage Finder here.
Research Facilitation Service also offers guidance on storage for qualified research projects. You can learn more about their service here.
Code42
Code42 (formerly Crashplan) is an OIT-approved third party backup service. IT can be installed on any operating system and will continuously sync data up to the cloud, ensuring that data is safe at all times. More information can be found here.
| Pros | Cons |
| Continuously running | Annual cost of $69.53 per user |
| Cloud based | Backup / restore operations are slow |
| Up to 4 devices per license | |
| Unlimited storage |
OIT Storage Services
OIT offers its own storage solution, which can be connected to managed computers. Costs range from $170 per TB to $825 per TB annually, depending on specific needs. More information can be found here.
| Pros | Cons |
| Data securely stored at NC State | Annual cost, which may increase |
| Easily connect with any operating system | Backup is not automatic |
| Pay per TB of data |
External Hard Drive
Users may purchase an external hard drive for data backup of their workstation. Apple computers can natively use an external hard drive to take regular complete backups of user data automatically. Similar third party solutions exist for Windows and Linux users. 2TB drives can be found for around $80, and 4TB drives can be found for around $100.
| Pros | Cons |
| The most cost effective option over time | User must purchase the drive |
| User controls security (access to physical media) | Higher rate of drive failure (should be replaced every 3 years) |
| Can only be accessed by connecting the drive | |
Research Storage
For active research projects, OIT offers approved storage at no cost. For complete details please read the Research Facilitation Service’s information on Research Storage.