Backup: General informations

The central and campus-wide backup service is available to all departments of the University of Konstanz. Data from departmental servers and local PCs can be automatically backed up over the network according to time schedules or restored if necessary.

The majority of the backup data is backed up at certain time intervals to a central automatic tape library at the Ulm site.

Performance features

Software & Documentation

  • Client software for installation on the backup nodes is available for download for all common operating systems (usually not available for NAS systems) via the KIM homepage. The same applies for updates or bug fixes. For download a login with the Uni-Account as well as a status as an employee are required.
  • Providing instructions for installation and configuration of the client software on the KIM website.
  • Providing an overview of files or directories depending on the supported operating system, which are excluded from backup by default (default Excludes).

Data backup

  • Securing the backup basic supply. A data volume of maximum 15 TB and a maximum of 25 million files per client is understood as basic supply. The specified volume of the basic service can be adjusted upwards in the context of technical innovations or the further development of the service.
  • Automated data backup according to time schedule. Start times for automated data backup are usually daily or weekdays.
  • In order to ensure smooth operation, the time required by clients for the backup must generally not exceed 12 hours. In case of need, e.g. for maintenance work, the kiz Ulm reserves the right to interrupt running backups.
  • Error messages and other status messages are sent regularly to the e-mail address provided. A daily notification is sent about the status of backup jobs, and users also receive a weekly status report.
  • Permanent regular connections between client and server are absolutely necessary for the service, otherwise the loss up to all backup data is threatening - for the preservation of the data a successful backup is necessary at least monthly.
  • Optionally, it is possible to include your own programs in the backup job on the client, either before and/or after the actual backup run. The operators of the systems are responsible for functionality and, if necessary, troubleshooting.
  • Optionally, data can be encrypted on the client using self-signed certificates. The user is responsible for the administration of the electronic keys. If the keys are lost, there is no possibility to decrypt the data in the backup.

Restore data

  • The restoration is usually carried out by KIM after the user has commissioned the appropriate work. Optionally, the restoration can also be carried out by the user himself. For this purpose an additional command line interface (bconsole) must be installed on the client.
  • With a continuous backup on the client, the data status of the last two weeks can be accessed at least on a daily basis or, at more frequent intervals, that of the last three months.

Support

Backup application

Information on installation and usage

By participating in this service you accept the terms of use of the kiz, especially that backups are data of the university and information security is given.

  • Download the Bacula Client software (Use only the installation packages provided by us! Only these have been tested and are supported)
  • Installation guide (PDF) - continuously updated
  • For information: Exclude lists, which exclude temporary directories, caches etc. from the backup, are defined depending on the operating system used and are basically active for all clients. These lists are provided during the setup phase of your client and on request.
  • Documentation Bacula Enterprise Edition (BEE)