The Importance of Backing Up Data in Ideal’s Dealer Management Software

By Dave Baumgarten – Ideal’s Lead Trainer

I want to address a subject that I have found many Ideal software users I visit don’t understand the real importance of until it’s perhaps too late. As I make periodic visits to our existing Ideal dealer management software customers, one of the things I like to check on is the frequency, method, and security of backing up data that is invaluable to every business. By this I mean the data being backed up regularly. I also check to see if that data is being taken off the premises.

Unfortunately, our support department deals with OPE, Powersports, and Marine dealers that, for one reason or another, are faced with a situation that requires a restoration of previously saved data. This usually becomes necessary when there is some mechanical malfunction of the physical device, otherwise known as the server hard drive, on which the database with all the information is recorded on. Believe it or not, I have seen hard drives fail with some mechanical failure as early as day one of a brand new installation. We must remember most of the devices in service today are partly electronic and partly mechanical. Within the last year, Ideal has opted not to use mechanical type drives any longer as primary drives. Instead, we’ve switched to high-speed Solid State Drives (SSD). In addition, we also use platter-type drives for additional, non-critical storage devices.

Regardless of the type of primary data storage being used, the critical information on your Ideal OPE, Powersports, and Marine software must be successfully backed up daily and stored off-site. Some of Ideal’s customers are using some sort of removable media like USB Flash Drives or USB Portable Hard Drives. This method makes use of multiple devices, usually of the same type, which should always be taken out of the building daily. If you are currently using this method, you must ensure that someone checks these devices manually to guarantee these backups are being done successfully. Unfortunately, we have encountered those, who have gone through the motions of backing up data, only to find that the data wasn’t being backed up successfully.

An even better solution that guarantees your data is being backed up properly and offsite is our new, hassle-free Data Assurance Plan. Hundreds of Ideal’s customers have switched to this solution. The Data Assurance Plan creates a daily off-site backup utilizing an unattended process via a secure internet connection. The backup occurs sometime after the close of business and the start of the next business day. You are always kept in the loop on the success or failure of your data backup because you receive a confirmation email daily with the results of this process. Many have found this method gives them the peace of mind they want in relation to the recovery of critical data if necessary.

If you’re interested in implementing our Data Assurance Plan into your business, feel free to contact your account manager or call 800-737-1620 for more information.

In the meantime, keep your eyes open… I might just stop by to see you soon!

– Dave

Dave Baumgarten has been Ideal’s lead software trainer for nearly 20 years.  He travels the country 300+ days per year installing Ideal systems and trains dealers on how to utilize the software in their business.  In addition to on-site training, Dave uses his hands-on industry expertise and knowledge of the program to teach dealers at Ideal’s annual training seminars.