Requesting a Data Backup

Bullhorn automatically backs up client data on a weekly basis to protect against or in the event of hardware or software failure. If for any reason you need a backup of your own, here's the process for requesting one and what to expect in the backup.

Requesting a Backup

Only authorized Account or Support contacts may request a backup.

To request a backup, complete either the Standard or Final Bullhorn Backup Request Form (see descriptions of each below) and then do one of the following:

• Submit a ticket through the Community.
• Contact Bullhorn Support directly.

Types of Backups

A backup consists of a Microsoft SQL Server generated file containing all of your company's data, such as client information, templates, notes, etc. There are two types of backups you can request:

• Standard Backup
  • Includes all data, such as records and notes.
  • Only includes file attachments (e.g., resumes) added in the system between the first day of the previous month and the date of the backup request. Standard backups are offered free of charge on a monthly basis.
• Final (Full) Backup
  • Includes all data, such as records and notes, plus all file attachments in their native format, such as resumes in Microsoft Word format. Full backups are automatically offered if you terminate your contract with Bullhorn, or for a fee while you are under contract with Bullhorn.

The data is packaged in an industry standard compressed file format and placed on a Bullhorn secure FTP server for you to download. To maintain the security of your data, your backup form must contain signatures from at least two Account and Support Contacts at your company. Bullhorn then notifies all Account and Support Contacts at your company of the backup request. After ensuring that the appropriate staff at your company has been notified, Bullhorn Support sends the backup request to Bullhorn Engineering.

After the backup is complete, we then send the download information to the original Account or Support Contact who requested the backup.  In order to download and install the backup, for Windows Users we recommend downloading WinSCP, a free FTP solution. Windows and Mac users can utilize any industry standard tool of their choice.

FAQ

I was told my backup will be in SQL format. What is SQL?

SQL, or Structured Query Language, is a programming language used to manage data where there are relations or connections between multiple different variables.

This means it is the most effective way to handle a database that moves information between entities (like pulling information from your Candidates and Jobs and populating it in your Placements).

Why isn’t my backup in PDF or Excel format?

Because of the volume of information and the complex relationships between entities, your backup must be in SQL to maintain data integrity. PDF and Excel cannot support the amount and complexity of data in your backup.

Downloading Your Bullhorn Backup

You can use any industry standard FTP tool to complete these steps. This example is written for WinSCRP on Microsoft Windows but will be similar for any tool or operating system.

1. Open WinSCP.
2. In the Host field, enter your FTP location.
3. In the Username field, enter your FTP username.
4. In the Password field, enter your FTP password.
5. In the Port field, enter "990".
6. Click Login.
7. Review and accept the unknown server notification by clicking OK.
8. Choose Yes to prevent the pop-up occurring the next time you connect to the FTP.
9. Drag the file from the right side of the screen (the remote site pane) to the left side of the screen (the local site pane, i.e., your computer). A progress bar appears notifying you of the status of your download.

For more information on how we keep your data secure, view the Understanding Bullhorn's Disaster Recovery Technology and Processes article.

For instructions on viewing your backup after you've downloaded it, view the Viewing Your Data Backup article.