What is the difference between RAID, a server snapshot and a backup?
RAID can keep storage available through some drive failures, depending on its level and condition. A snapshot records a point-in-time storage state, while a backup provides a recovery copy under a defined retention and restore process. None of these labels alone guarantees protection against every loss scenario.
Before you start
- The server’s storage layout and the documented scope of any existing recovery service.
Instructions
1. Separate the failure scenarios
List accidental deletion, application corruption, host loss, account compromise and site failure. RAID can reproduce an unwanted deletion across its members, and a snapshot that depends on the same storage or account may share the original failure. Ask which scenarios each arrangement actually survives.
2. Inspect the recovery point
Check what is included, whether application data is consistent, when the point completed and how long it remains available. For a Britixo VPS, the Snapshots area shows only points returned for that server; opening the page does not create one. Scope and retention depend on the service.
3. Verify independent recovery
Confirm that authorised staff can access the required data, software and keys if the original server is unavailable. Test an existing recovery point in an isolated environment and measure the result against your recovery objectives. Keep storage redundancy and data-recovery planning as separate responsibilities.
Check the result
- Every significant loss scenario has a documented recovery method or an acknowledged gap.
- The chosen existing recovery point has passed a relevant restore test.
Troubleshooting
- A snapshot is listed but cannot restore the application
- Check completion status, included volumes, database consistency, encryption keys and required external data. A listed point is not evidence of a complete application recovery.
Official references
Use the documentation for your installed version when a flag, service name or platform feature differs.