7 ·  Purchase and install all backup application agents available for your applications, for example Microsoft Exchange, and for any additional clients.  The use of agents provides for a faster and more reliable backup and restore. ·  If your backup application provides the option for hardware or software compression of data to the tape drive, always select hardware over software, and never both. ·  If your backup application provides the option, select a transfer size of 64 K blocks or larger for the greatest performance. ·  Password-protect your backup tapes to prevent unauthorized access in the event of theft.    ·  Maintain your backup software in a safe place, such as the fire-proof media safe.  If your software license permits, maintain an off-site copy of the backup software. ·  Institute procedures to ensure that the cleaning tape is inserted as requested by the VXA- 2 Packet Tape Drive’s front panel LEDs. ·  Institute procedures to review the backup application’s log to ensure that errors and warnings are immediately addressed. ·  Ensure that backup tapes are stored properly, away from monitors or uninterruptible power supplies.  On-site tapes should be stored in a fireproof media safe – rated specifically for magnetic media. ·  Take this opportunity to ensure that all users are aware of and respect the backup window. p1   p2   p3   p4   p5   p6   p7   p8