How common is mysql database data loss on virtual hosting?
 

My partner has some RAID setup of sorts for our main server, but I want to put test things on low cost virtual server like Servage, DreamHost, LunarPages... How big of a risk is mysql data loss? Do most of these places have RAID on their sql servers?

You are more likely to lose data due to RAID issues than mysql issues

Cheap hosting solutions probably will not host you on a RAID solution - and if they do, you're most likely sharing the load with a bunch of other clients.

Bottom line, the only reason you need RAID is to protect yourself from harddrive failure, which sadly happens much too often these days with cheaper drives. Only run on non-RAID if you are hosted on SCSI.. that's your best bet. Otherwise, go with RAID.

Your database shouldn't be anymore as risk than anything else but that said, in the world of hosting, Backup, Backup, Backup!

If your hosting provider do backups, it's OK

they will all tell you they do, if you ask, but whether they always do or not is a different matter..... bottom line is you better do it yourself

Yeah, it's not the backup that's important, it's the restore. :winkwink: How many times have we heard about webmasters losing the lot because a backup file "failed" ?

Hosted on virtual for 4+ years and never a problem... then again, fully managed with daily backups...

I would test them out first

put a bunch of crap data on a site on a virtual host, then fill up the database...run it for 2 days, then delete everything and tell them you need a backup restored

I do this all the time, and you wouldn't believe the amount of hosts that are "premiere" in the adult industry that say "oops, sorry, we don't have any backups"

Backup is the key as others have posted already.

RAID is fine for maintaining uptime / improving performance, but it won't save you in some types of hardware / software failures...

I've seen data loss numerous times on RAID setups - folks with full, current backups get through such problems fine, those without are doubly surprised to learn that data even mirrored / striped across multiple drives can still be lost.

Be aware that open databases may not always be configured to be backed up - typically more an issue for dedicated / colo server customers ... goes to show that even higher priced server setups are no guarantee of full, reliable backups.

Good suggestion Jace about the delete everything and see if they can get it back test.

Ron

:thumbsup

I have found out that you need to ask more hosts to actually do the sql backups. Some will even run daily full backups of all your domains if you ask them.

yeah, very true

I found this cool little script a while ago that does automated daily backups of your sql databases, been using it on my non-wordpress sites since I found it...it emails the backup to you every day

for wordpress I just use the automated backup plugin