I lost my data trying to back it up
Getting backup right is extremely important, that is why you need proper tools. For the last 10 years I have been using ZFS snapshots and replication. I keep 180 days with snapshots on the remote backup and 30 days for the local.
I use it to take backup of virtual machines, different databases including "running", sql servers. And of course important files, documents and photos.<p>I've also configured a daily mail with a log about how the backup/snapshot/replication went. Even if it went fine. So if I don't get mail, I know something is up and can fix it asap.<p>I have never slept so well after doing this with ZFS, even backup for Windows SQL Server with iSCSI volumes works great!<p>More people should do backup with ZFS!