Which backup strategy is ideal for a frequently updated database aiming to minimize restore time and storage space?

• A. Perform full backups daily
• B. Schedule and automate backups
• C. Perform manual backups weekly
• D. Use only external drives for backups

Answer: (B)

The ideal backup strategy for a frequently updated database that aims to minimize restore time and storage space is scheduling and automating backups. This approach allows for regular, incremental or differential backups to be performed seamlessly and consistently, ensuring that the most recent changes to the database are captured without the exhaustive time and storage requirements of full backups.

By automating this process, you reduce the risk of human error associated with manual backups, and can schedule backups during off-peak hours to reduce the impact on system performance. Incremental backups, which capture only the data that has changed since the last backup, can significantly save on both storage space and time needed for backup and restore processes. This is crucial for environments where data is frequently updated because it helps in maintaining data integrity and availability while being resource-efficient.