ArcServe v9??

[TechFan]

We are currently using ArcServe 6 for our servers (1 novell 4.11 and 2 NT4 -> all Win2k in the next couple months). I see that version 9 has been released and I am thinking about upgrading to it along with buying a new copy for the new server. I don't understand the licensing for it though (what is the agent for? A server without a tape drive?) or what the options are for my config with the base product (without the option packs). I would like to avoid having a tape drive in every server. . .

We currently have at least 5 servers (adding two in the next couple weeks) 3 of them have tape drives. The other two are terminal servers that don't store data or change much so we have images of them stored on another server and backed up. We have 4 drives, I believe as follows: 1 DDS2, 2 DDS3, and 1 DDS4 drives currently. One of the DDS3 drives is just sitting on the shelf.

The vendor/consultant here says we should buy a DLT1 drive instead of getting another DDS4 drive ($690 for the DDS4 drive, not sure about the DLT drive yet).

I am not sure exactly how much is backed up right now, probably around 40GB in a 4-5hr window. But if we start doing imaging, I can see that number growing really really fast. Especially if they switch the EMR imaging to the server rather than through Optika (and the attached jukebox - not being used to its potential, but we have way outdated software = BIG $ to upgrade).

I really appreciate all of your advice. I am a MCSE (NT4 & Win2k) and CCA, but have just come from a bigger company where we could be more focused in our areas or expertise. I wasn't involved in the backups (except for telling the person in charge what server/share I needed on the backup schedule). I have been here now for a couple months and I am in charge of the entire system. Full of challenges that are good experience boosters.

 

[TheLad]

The Client Agent is exactly what you have said it is for - it can be installed on a server without a backup device and it allows a server with a backup device to communicate via the agent to backup the data. Using the agent is usually amust as the agent will help speed up the backing up of data and will also ensure that the data is intact (sometimes, without the agent causes long filenames to be backed up in an 8.3 format). Rember, you will need the Enterprise version if you want to backup other servers.

As for tape drive options, the DLT1 drive would be a good choice depending on howmuch data you have/are planning to backup now and in the future. A link to details of the DLT1 is below if you don't already have them:

http://www.quantum.com/AM/products/dlt/dlt1/default.htm

The advantage of the DLT1 over the DDS4 is that the DLT1 can hold twice as much data as the DDS4 (in theory). You'd have to make up your own mind whether it would be a good investment in the long term for your company. -----------------------------------------------------
"It's true, its damn true!"
-----------------------------------------------------

 

[TechFan]

Thanks for that quick response. I was planning to research DLT tonight, but didn't get to it in the midst of lots of other research. I will take a look at the link.

So, the backup agent is not required, but definitely a good thing for backing up remote servers. Can/Does it backup the remote registry so you can do a full remote restore?? Or is it just data. How about remote Active Directory?

From what I can tell, there is no "enterprise version" of v9, that is what is confusing me. Is there only one version now? I would love to hear some info about v9, if anyone has used it and how the product clasification has changed (are all the versions combined)?

Thanks.

 

[GSC]

TechFan,
If you are backing up SQL Exchange you will need an Client Agenk. Without an CA you won't have a backup of these databases. For the remote servers, yes if you have the Enterprise Version of Arcserve you will be able to backup all the remote drives including the registry.
We are not on Win2K yet so I don't know how the backup of the AD works.
I just received a trial version of the V9 and it looks pretty much the same like the previous version.
When configured correctly you can do a full remote restore of a server including the registry.
Hope this helps.
GSC

 

[TechFan]

Thanks again. We are not using Exchange or MS SQL. Will be backing up Pervasive SQL soon. So, as long as the data fits on your tape drive, you can backup remote servers.

I don't see the enterprise version for v9, so I am wondering what I need with v9 to accomplish this.

Thanks again.

 

[mohamdr]

Hi
I think you should go for BrightStor Enterprise backup V.10.0

Regards,
Mohamdr

 

[TechFan]

So is v10 of enterprise released yet? I have enterprise for novell v6 something. . .can that be upgraded to enterprise for Windows? I know I can cross-grade from the old Novell to Windows, but don't know about the enterprise part.

 

[Cyklops]

ARCserve v9 has only one version. There is no distinction anymore between workgroup ( single server ) or advanced ( multi server ). The Enterprise version of ARCserve 2000 was in fact the backup application for CA's UNIcenter TNG and not sold separatley. Go for a cross-platformA upgrade of your ARCserve for NetWare version to ARCserve v9. I think this is the cheapest and most efficient option for you.
Client Agents for your remote servers are always recommended to use for their ability to backup and restore the Windows 2000 specific features and their 'push' capabilities.

regards

 

[TechFan]

Thanks for that clarification. So, ArcServe v9 will let me backup multiple servers, good. I thought I read that it comes with five universal clients (that might have been ArcServe 2000), those are what I need to backup a remote server right? Also, do you know if I can backup AD remotely or do I still need to have the backup in the local server?

Thanks a lot.

 

[fritz4000]

You need the client agent on the remote machine if you want to back up the system state of a remote machine (this includes active directory). This is the same as ARCserve 2000. ARCserve 2000 came with 5 client agent licenses, I do not know about ARCserve 9.0

 

[Cyklops]

ARCsercve v9 comes without any agents. The base product still includes support for tape libraries with one tape drive and an unlimited number of slots, a single version of CA's InoculateIT 6.0 Antivirus and a cross-platform manager that can handle ARCserve v9 for Windows, NetWare ( not released yet ) and probably Linux ( not announced yet ) backup servers.

regards

 

[TechFan]

Thanks again everyone. I think I am getting a clearer picture.

ArcServe 2000 has 5 agents included and can be upgraded for free to ArcServe v9 if bought recently until the 30th. v9 does not have any agents included.

The agents are needed to get a good quality backup of remote servers. With the agent, I can backup and restore active directory to a remote server (Win2k server has a special safe mode for repairing active directory).

Thanks. If you have any other clarifications, let me know.