Dropbox is a cloud storage service we use for off-site backups. Files stored in Dropbox are kept on Dropbox’s servers, separate from our home network, so they are safe even if something happens to a server at home.
What we use it for
Selected data from our servers is backed up to Dropbox automatically. Dropbox watches designated folders: when a file is created or changed, a copy is quietly sent off-site.
Dropbox also has a “smart sync” behaviour worth knowing about: if a file hasn’t been used for a while, Dropbox may remove the local copy and keep only a lightweight placeholder on disk. If something tries to open that file, Dropbox intercepts it, downloads the real file, and lets the operation continue as if nothing happened. This keeps servers from filling up with old backups while still making everything recoverable.
Accessing Dropbox
Dropbox can be accessed through its website or desktop app. Credentials are stored in 1Password.
Backup approach not yet finalised
The specific folders being backed up, retention policy, and verification process are still being worked out.