What kind of Internet access method do I need?

Our flexible “Client-side” software agent – the part that goes on your computer or file server – can access the Internet and our secure data center facility via most communications methods: DSL, Satellite, Dial-up, Fractional T-1, Full T-1, T-3.

What Types of Backups does Oak Tree do?

            Full Backups

Oak Tree requires an Initial Full Backup when you start using our service. This facilitates all subsequent, “normal” backups, which will back up only files changed during each day. (Databases and very large files are treated in a slightly different way; see Differential Backups, below.)

Depending on the amount of data you intend to back up, your Initial Backup may be done with an external drive rather than over the Internet.

            Incremental Backups

Our normal backup strategy ensures that only new or updated files are sent to our backup server (following an Initial Full Backup), after compression and encryption, minimizing the storage space and daily transfer time required, as well as providing optimal security. (Periodic full backups can be arranged and/or regularly scheduled.)

            Differential Backups

Oak Tree Online Backup solutions support both full and incremental (transaction log, or “changes-only”) backups for Microsoft SQL Server 7.0/2000/2005, Microsoft Exchange Server 2000/2003, Lotus Domino/Notes 5.0 (Windows only), Oracle 8i or above and MySQL 3.24 or above. Oak Tree utilizes Differential backups for databases only; it is not an available option for data files other than databases.

Our efficient technology provides for fast and efficient large file and database backup technology, which backs up only changes made within specified-size blocks of data in (user-defined) large files/databases during a typical (normal) backup cycle, thereby significantly reducing the backup cycle times and storage space. (These large files/databases may require Full Backups periodically, depending on change volumes.)

Also, Oak Tree Online Backup software utilizes a technology known as Volume Shadow Copy (i.e. backing up files even when they are exclusively open) for most large databases, thereby ensuring your backups are accurate and up-to-date, without missing any transactions.

How often do I have to backup my data?

Our totally customizable backup schedule allows your backups to be scheduled at virtually any time and periodicity you choose. Typically we require a Full Backup for new customers, and recommend daily (nightly) incremental backups. Full Backups may be recommended when a certain percentage of your data has changed.

For large files and databases we recommend you utilize our unique database technology that evaluates and backs up specified-size “blocks” of data inside your large files/databases (in differential mode) so the entire file/database isn’t backed up over the internet every day with only a very small number (percentage) of changes.

How secure is my data? Can Oak Tree employees read my information?

Click here to view our security policies.

What is Oak Tree’s Disaster Recovery solution?

For certain types of databases and under certain conditions, Oak Tree can provide a short-term Disaster Recovery facility. That is, Oak Tree will restore your critical data to one of our servers in our secure Data Center and provide you with direct access to it from any location you select. In effect, you will be “back in business” by the next day , whether in your own offices or somewhere else - following a serious problem in your normal environment, be it a server crash, a fire, a flood, a police action or any other circumstance that prevents you from using your own computer equipment. Special pricing and other fees apply to this service, and it is not available to all customers or for all types of databases. If you’re interested in this service, please contact our Customer Service.