Advice on SQL Backup

[pgaliardo]

Has anyone used SQL Backup from Red-Gate software? I downloaded a trial version and backups seem to be super fast and the file is compressed by about 90% which would allow me to keep about a week's worth of backups right to disk, then just archive that to tape weekly. Anyone have experience with this product?

Thanks.

 

[LawnBoy]

The $64 question is: does it restore correctly?
I always have SQL make it's own backups, which I then archive to tape. Simple, clean, and flawless.

 

[pgaliardo]

Thanks for that LawnBoy. I am doing that also. Problem is, the backup is a 1:1 ration, so a 20GB database backup file is about 20GB. I only have room on disk for about 1 or 2 days of backup and then archive to tape. This product cut a 7 GB database to 400MB, which would allow me much more flexibility. I agree with you though, I haven't tried a restore. What good is a backup if you can't restore!

 

[ptheriault]

I have been using SQL LiteSpeed for a long time now. I get anywhere from 85 to 95% compresion and the backup and restore time is incredible. I can backup an 800gb db in 2 hrs. It compresses that file to 75gb. I have been able to copy my bak files and restore them on my test server without any problems. I can't speak for the red gate product but I would highly recommed LiteSpeed by quest. I have never had a problem with backups or restores.

 

[Catadmin]

SQL Litespeed is also what we use here at work. It takes a 170 GB database and compresses the backup down to 26 GB. THAT is impressive in my book. @=)

Haven't used SQL Backup, though.



Catadmin - MCDBA, MCSA
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