Backup solution for small office

[PCUser]

Is tape backup still pretty much it? I'm looking at about 80gb of data which can be compressed. If tape backup is the best way anyone have any recommendations for model or brand? Thanks in advance.

 

[Wizkid]

We use Compaq DLT 40/80 GB tape drives here at work. They are nice and fast and do the job well. They have 40 GB native capacity, so if you think your data will compress 2:1 then this might be a good option (or even if not, it will still only take 2 tapes). Another option is a SuperDLT drive by Quantum (I think). It has a 110GB native capacity, but likely VERY expensive.

If your data is very compressable, you might get away with a 20 GB native drive, the main concern is that you don't really want to have to change tapes too often (if you are around) or at all (if you run the backup at night when no one is around).


Hope this helps...

 

[Garion]

What's your need for backups? Do you want a long-term archive or an "Oh $hit - the server hard drive just crashed" restore ability?

If you want long-term archiving and retrieving of files of 2+ days old, then you're going to need to go with a tape drive and some kind of backup strategy. Big $$ for a tape drive, backup software and a stock of tapes to back up 80 GB.

If you just want crash protection, get a hard drive and stick in another PC - Setup a batch job each night to dump all the critical data onto the backup drive fro mthe server. Granted, this is a data-only protection - You won't really get a backup of the OS and any key "system" components. But then, your data is usually what you're concerned about.

- G

 

[PCUser]

I'm looking for an archival type thing. I was planning on doing a monthly full backup, weekly full backup, and daily incremental. The batch file thing hopefully will be moot as I set them all up with raid mirroring. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[Xirys]

Just to chime in my 2¢...

Tape is still king. I agree DLT is the way to go for your needs. Your strategy sounds fairly good. If the data is critical, I recommend off-site storage of at least the monthly's and possibly the weekly's. Keeping a backup log book and signing it each morning is also a good idea to ensure you don't forget to switch the tapes.

You might look into an autoloader if you anticipate your data growing much larger than it currently is. You don't want to invest in a 60/120 DLT rig, and then need to upgrade in a few months. I'd say you are going to be close to capacity on a 40/80 already. So unless you anticipate no growth at all, you'll have to go bigger. Just a couple of things to think about.

And remember, if you don't do test restores periodically, you might not be backing up what you think you are.

Cheers!

 

[PCUser]

LOL Xirys you an eq player too?

 

[Vegito]

DLT but I rather have a SDLT since it holds hell of a lot more... trust me, you think you wont need it.. but you really do..