Backing up server

[wannabie2]

Everyone's is getting into the cloud (and yes I know it's just another name for Wide area network.).
I want to use the cloud as a backup server.
in our office we have two servers. windows 2008 and Windows 2003 server.
The 2008 server is relativity new and I want to sync the files from one server to another.
for example I want to use the windows 2008 server as a cloud network server so people can work from home.
The 2003 server I want people to use in office.

Is there a way for me to do a real-time Sync from server to server and if so can you send me the link or instructions for it?

 

[goombawaho]

Define "real-time sync" in your mind. I think you're mis-using the idea of cloud when you really mean remote access to internal data.

If you mean constant updating from server A to server B so that all files are in sync, that can be messy to accomplish. You'll run into open file problems and multiple users wanting to modify the same file.

Therefore, I think you're approaching it the wrong way. I'd have all data that your users need to use on the same server UNLESS they are needing distinctly DIFFERENT sets of data. In other words, if the off site users don't need any data that the onsite people use and vice versa, your idea is good.

If they share some data, then it's best to have one copy and allow remote access to it. I'll leave it to others to suggest remote access methods that are safe and secure.

You could then use the other server as a backup location for your data using anything from NTBACKUP/Windows backup to third party solutions to Robocopy with a scheduled task.

 

[wannabie2]

Thanks for answering.
I already use a VPN for remote access and I just thought that maybe I can use a WAN server to backup another server in case one goes down. I figure a sync every hour should do it if realtime is not possible ( I was going for constant updating).

 

[goombawaho]

I was going for constant updating

WAS or WASN'T still confusing the issue. I think you really do want constant syncing. I don't have a recommendation for that.

If you're syncing once an hour, you're still running into open files so you need something that could handle that.

What you're really talking about is a cluster and you don't have the equipment to do that at the moment.