Backups can never be ignored, DR practice not only limited to recover site level failure. It can be any event when data/app is not available. Backup technology has matured enough to provide virtual mount features (except tape based but anyways best suited for archival not for hot backup set). Cyber threats like Rensomware needs old copy of backup to avoid paying money to intruder. Even 15mins unavailability can be great loss to organization's, it's all depend on data and type of org. Compliances are different issues. Backup with restore tests + Disaster Recovery with drills is must to have strategy.
I was waiting for the course to start the CCNP DATA CENTER path, since 2015 I have been following the courses, I obtained my first Network + n10-005 certification by keith barker, great inspiration and motivation delivered by all the cbt nuggets trainers.
