The Logic Off Topic list

Here's how I handle archiving of clients' graphic design projects
(which can run to gigabytes):

At the end of a project, the client gets whatever is needed for them
to use the results. This usually means a collected Quark document or a
composite PDF file, on CD. The client may request additional files, in
which case I provide them and charge time and media for doing so.

All work, including the finished product and all intermediate art etc,
is then archived (to CD-R currently, but this will change) using
Retrospect, and removed from my hard drives. I do this archiving at no
cost to the client, and I make it clear that while I make every effort
to ensure the longevity of the data, I do not guarantee the integrity
of the archive at any time and will not be responsible for any data
loss beyond this point. That said, my archive stretches back to 1995
and has been fully retrievable so far.

If the client wishes to maintain their own archive I will provide them
with all or selected files (at their cost as above), while still
maintaining my own archive - many of my clients are incapable of
storing anything for more than a few days/weeks/months without
misplacing it or providing their only copy to third parties...

Should the client require any data retrieved from my archive, all time
and materials involved in doing so are chargeable, whether the
searching/retrieval is successful or not.

Finally, it's the client's data, stored on my media. They cannot
request the actual archive media, as it contains data from many
clients. I cannot use their data for any purpose without their express
permission or instructions.

In addition to the above, I make daily incremental backups of live
data to 2 alternating sets of DLT tape, maintaining a backup history
of approximately 2 months per set before recycling the tape media at
alternating months per set.

As noted in previous posts on the subject on the main list, I do NOT
trust hard drives as a suitable backup or archiving medium. Have you
seen the current warranties on large hard drives? Not
confidence-inspiring...

John Pitcairn

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