A2zDataRecovery

Data of Google Apps users is stored by Google, who takes care of data protection (and reovery if it becomes necessary). According to the blog post cited at the bottom, Google replicates all the actions of users at two data centers, and switches over to the backup in case the primary center fails.

The post speaks of RPO (Recovery Point Objective) and RTO (Recovery Time Objective) which can clarify certain key issues involved to the benefit of non-specialist users.

RPO measures how much data you are willing to lose. For example, if you have backed up data one hour ago, you will lose only those data that was created or changed during the last one hour. RTO measures the time you are willing to go without service after a disaster. Large companies spend fortunes to ensure that both RPO and RTO are reduced to acceptable levels. Small businesses typically just start over.

You can get insights into the issues involved from the post at: http://googleenterprise.blogspot.com/2010/03/disaster-recovery-by-google...