Backup Devices??

[yardshaker]

I am in charge of implementing a backup system for a small(25nodes, 7 servers) LAN. I am almost sold on Backup Exec for the software side of it but I have no clue for the hardware side. The once a week full backup will probably be around 10 gigs and I will need to backup NT and Unix boxes. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance for your help.<br>

 

[OpenSys]

How about a small Jukebox with DLT's? There are several vendors but in the past I have used STK (StorageTek) Timberwolf robots (small desktop size 30 odd carts) model type 9730 with DLT4000 or DLT7000, I also understand that Quantum now have released the DLT8000 drive also. DLT have a capacity from 10GB upto about 35GB and all of these items hang pretty well together with backupEXEC or NETbackup.

 

[CJ]

Interesting. OpenSys, any problem with DAT that you know about? We're running DAT drives in the 12GB(native)/24GB(compressed) format with no troubles. Since all fits on one cart, we don't need an autoloader. One server also backs up two others. We don't do Unix, so don't know about that aspect, but an internal DAT or two works for us, with less cost than DLT.

 

[OpenSys]

Very much a personal view, but if you have a smaller amount of data to worry about, I think you may find that although NETbackup is slightly (forgive me for saying it!) &quot;prettier and has a cute'r&quot; interface than backupEXEC maybe bE is all you need, its alittle less cumbersome and smaller overall on the services needed to run it. Although having said that, I do also know that since Veritas took it on, they are adding more NETbackup type features and processes to it, so it may become a &quot;heavier&quot; application in-time, maybe a thing to be aware of if future upgrades are in mind. Otherwise with proven DAT technology I certainly haven't seen or heard of any major issues.

 

[yardshaker]

Hey that is good stuff. I appreciate all the solid input. After looking at the prices for DLT, I believe the good old DAT technology will do the trick. I have experience with the Tape Libraries and DLTs but the budget is not ready for that yet. I think the 12/24GB DAT should cover us for a while, any recommendation on manufacturers?

 

[Zelandakh]

HP are usually a good bet. Go for a good SCSI drive and make sure you have a branded (preferably Adaptec as they never seem to go wrong) SCSI card.