Plan for data backup and recovery

I've started writing about data backup and recovery as a necessity in a "digital era". To make it simple and successful it needs some upfront planning.
I've brought together most important issues about safe data backup and recovery. No matter if you have you PC hard disk full of pictures or have lots of business data on workstation, you should consider following subjects:

• Why do you need to make backups? (read Backup your important data article)


• Categorize your data - easy manageable big chunks divided by type/importance


• Plan for recovery - what is saving data worth if you are unable getting it back?


• Consider data retention - time horizon (short vs long term backups)


• Choose storage media/place - what suits your needs


• Simplify and automate backup procedure - use specialized software or scripts to keep your backup plan going with minimum work from your side


• Monitor condition and manage backup copies - think about change if process doesn't meet your needs

Maybe it seems dull and hard to implement, but everyone should cut it to their needs.
It's all about time and costs, but having saved your data is sometimes priceless.