GFS Backup

Simple definition

GFS organizes long-term backup retention across several time horizons.

Technical definition

Grandfather-Father-Son retention typically keeps selected daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly restore points according to a defined policy.

What is it used for?

Keep long-term restore points without retaining every daily backup indefinitely.

Practical example

Daily restore points expire quickly, weekly points are kept longer, and selected monthly backups are retained for one year.

Common issues

• Retention policy is shorter than the business requirement
• Repository capacity is insufficient for long-term points
• Expected GFS restore points are not being created

Key takeaway: GFS is a retention strategy; size the repository from the number and age of restore points you actually need.