Best network backup solution?

[ndy]

I am wondering what the best idea for a reliable network backup solution. Our goal is to have safe backups of critical data, and also an easy way to restore full function to any of the computers if any one of them goes down.

my situation is 3 computers in a business environment. one is a front counter, one is a service desk computer, and the one in back is for accounting. They all run the same software (Win7 and Quickbooks), but do have some specialized uses for each.

We are thinking of using the service computer as sort of a central server. something like a 300gb system drive, with an external 2tb eSata drive. All computers will pull the main data needed off the service computer's system drive via the network. This will go on all day as we all take and process orders using Quickbooks.

Then, use a program like sugarsync to automatically copy any changes or additions of the designated folders to the external 2TB drive. This way backups happen immediately without effort.

That should take care of the critical data. We are also looking for a quick way to restore functionality in case any one of the system drives crash in any of the computers. The plan is to schedule system image backups to the 2TB external drive on a monthly basis. I wanted to use the native windows 7 backup utility for this, but we have Home Premium machines so network backups are not supported. I am looking for a software package to do this.

Anyone think we're on the right track?

 

[el-Capitan]

I would suggest you have a closer look at WHS 2011. I am only two weeks into it, so others here will have to share their experience, but it is very easy to backup all your Windows machines within the network (Home Premium and Vista are welcome too). If one of your desktops goes under you can create a USB recovery disk to easily restore a backup.

As said, not tested by me, but from what reading I have been doing lately, it appears to be working very well and is very simple to setup. Its only $50.

 

[harrkev]

WHS won't help if the building burns down... Off-site is certainly a good idea.

 

[Evadman]

there ae eleventy billion ways to do this based on your needs, acceptable risk, and budget.

What kind of risk is acceptable to you? What is your budget?

 

[smitbret]

Sorry to drag this thread up, but I'm having some issues with my headless WHS 2011 and the backup.

For some ungodly reason, one of the PCs refuses to be indentified on the WHS 2011 dashboard. The ironic part is that it is the main client that I am using to access the dashboard. I can also log straight into remote desktop. I tired reinstalling the connector, but it says it's already installed.... duh.

But when I click <Computers and Backup> I see very other client computer but this one. Naturally, I've done the necessary reboots on the server and the client.

What is throwing this off? Any ideas?