DVMAX is an integral part of a veterinary practice. Making sure data entered into the application is accessible and recoverable after a power outage or other system failure is crucial. The following are DVMAX Best Practice recommendations for developing a disaster recovery plan. 

Backup Configuration 

Ensuring the DVMAX Server application is performing a backup to the local disk each evening is the first step in securing your data. Our Backup Configuration for DVMAX document outlines the steps to configure your backup and ensure it's running correctly.

Battery Backup

The DVMAX Server computer and monitor, and network switches and routers should be connected to a battery backup. In the event of a power failure, a battery backup will allow someone at the practice to ensure the DVMAX Server application can be shut down properly, which will help prevent data damage. We recommend choosing a battery backup device that will monitor available power, and has the ability to shut down the operating system when running low on power. Your DVMAX Account Manager can be reached at 800-877-9221 ext. 1 and can provide information regarding a battery backup option sold by IDEXX. 

Run DVMAX Server as a Service (Windows Only)

The ability to run the DVMAX Server application as a service is a function available on Windows operating systems. When the application is running as a service, there is no visible user interface on the server. This can prevent accidental or unauthorized changes being made to important configuration areas. An added benefit is that the DVMAX Server application will come back online without a staff member requiring access to the machine, which may require sharing sensitive passwords or keys to a protected server room. 

See Running DVMAX Server Application as a Service for configuration instructions.

Set DVMAX to Open at Login (Macintosh Only)

The ability to set the DVMAX Server application to open at login is a function available on Macintosh operating systems. With this setting, the DVMAX Server application will to start as soon as the user logs into the computer. This will help ensure the application opens even if the user is unfamiliar with the machine.

See Set DVMAX Server Application to Open at Login for configuration instructions.

Offsite Backup

The DVMAX Server application should be configured to perform a nightly backup to the local disk, but it's also important to have a copy of your data stored outside of the practice. An offsite backup will ensure your data is recoverable in the event the server hard drive is damaged. IDEXX offers a Data Backup and Recovery service that not only provides the clinic the peace of mind to know that the backup is safe, recoverable, and monitored daily, but also monitors the integrity of the data with bi-annual data checks. Your DVMAX Account Manager can be reached at 800-877-9221 ext 1 to provide more details on this valuable service. 

End of Year Backup

In addition to your offsite backups of the current datafile, it is also recommended to keep an offsite copy of a each year's end of year backup. This end of year backup can be helpful in troubleshooting data discrepancies which may be discovered months, or even years, after they may have occurred.