Compression questions

[backupworker]

I have Networker 6.11 and Storagetek 9840 tape drives.

I am looking into the question of whether or not I should compress files. Is file compression for backups recommended? Softare and hardware wise? Does that affect restore time in any way (longer or shorter) and data integrity?
Also, is that processor intensive (does it occur on the client or the backup server)?

We were thinking of compressing full backups that run on the weekneds, and then just doing uncompressed backups during the week for the diff backups. Are there any issues that might occur if we followed this scenario and had to do a restore?

I am new to Legato and would appreciate any input. Thanks!

 

[jimbopalmer]

Sotware back up is CPU intensive on the client not the server, and reduces Network congestion.

Hardware compression is not usefull if you have software compression, but is harmless (networker will tend to show raw drive size, rather than the compressed size)


Software compressed restore is less likely to effect the whole networkrestore I tried to remain child-like, all I acheived was childish.

 

[gerudman]

Backupworker

I used to have 9840's as well and used software compression instead of hardware compression.

cheers
George

 

[Guest_imported]

The folks that write The Networker Journal performed a study on the use of client-side compression. The results were quite interesting. See

http://www.drenpress.com/articles/compress/compressasm.html

-Jar

 

[skicomputer]

Use hardware compression! recommend by Legato. Go to StorNet in Plano Texas,for training class - you get some neat books for reference.