Creating an index with tape specifics

[Anthony904]

Hi, I'm new to Legato so if you could, explain to me in specific detail.

System Specifics:
Legato v.6.2 Build 109
Windows 2000
Carousel Tape drive (Hold about 48 tapes) Not sure about hardware specifics...
There are 8 clients.

When the tapes are full (about a month) they are changed out. We have about 4 sets of tape that get rotated.

My problem:

Disaster Recovery.
We are in the process of developing a disaster recovery plan. The plan is to store tapes at a different location off site. The most recent copy of backup will be stored onsite. But in the event of a disaster and we have no access to the recent set of tapes, the tapes stored off-site will be used.

What I need to send offsite is:

1) Tapes with data about 2 weeks old.
(doesn't necessary have to be two weeks, just not a recent copy)
(Tape(s) sent should include a full backup (for each client)

2) An index file (hard copy) with what is on the tape(s) I'm sending.

It would be great if you could include a detailed step by step instuctions on doing this.

Thanks!
Ant

 

[605]

With respect to your Desaster Recovery Plan, the first step would be to update to NW 7.x. The media index has become much more stable so this is a recommended step to prevent desasters.

In your case, it would be a good idea to clone the media. Of course this will only work if you have more than one device. You did not state that.

Using this method you have
- additional redundancy (just in case)
- not to worry about offsite media

I think that makes the most sense.

 

[new2me]

why do you want the most recent tapes onsite in case of DR, shouldn't that be offsite instead?

 

[Anthony904]

605,

"..With respect to your Desaster Recovery Plan, the first step would be to update to NW 7.x. The media index has become much more stable so this is a recommended step to prevent desasters..."

We currently are going through the steps on doing this.. but it may take awhile..

"..In your case, it would be a good idea to clone the media. Of course this will only work if you have more than one device. You did not state that..."

Not sure which device you are referring to.. but I am interested in the cloning idea. (could you give me some steps to do that?) I'm not to familiar with the system.. but if you would let me know what I need to find out.. I could do that.. (so new to this, they gave me a thick legato book, with a different version (could'nt find the correct version), and asked that I support it)

What I know is..

We have 8 servers that have the client installed and One server called serverbackup with the administrator.. I have about 48 tapes in a tape storage device (Autochanger)(I can get specifics if needed)

I guess what I need to know is.. if we need to do a recovery on a particular of the servers.. I'm not sure what tape I need to pull to do that recovery.

So I was thinking.. Is there a way to have a file or printout with the current information on the tapes.

Something like:
Volume CO4851
Date: 10/20/06
Server1
C:\
F:\Archives\Tsk_dhis\Arc10\arc.dat:
etc..
Date: 10/20/06
Server2 etc...

new2me,

Good point.. Sorry I wasn't clear, but in case we did have a disaster, the most recent tapes would be stored some- where safe nearby. That way we could easy start up with the most recent data. Now in the event that the tapes with the most current data gets destroyed ...

We'll have a backup that is stored off-site.
A backup of a backup if you will...

Thanks for your responses..

Please advise
Thanks!
Ant

 

[605]

What you want to acieve with your file is nice idea but i think it is to complicated when searching a certain tape. This is what NW's client index will know automatically. This is being up frequently so it will be save enough.
---------
You can only clone between two devices. I do not know whether you have them in your jukebox or whether you need to extend it or buy new hardware.

BTW - cloning is possible from any to any device - it must not necessariliy be the same hardware.

 

[Anthony904]

What would I need to check to see if I have two capable device to clone?

What would be the easiest/inexpensive way of accomplishing this?

Thanks for your help!
Ant

 

[605]

You need at least two tape devices (in your jukebox). They do not cost any additional NS license.

You can also backup to disk. This is very convenient. However, EMC will charge you for this option.

 

[Anthony904]

We have a MTI1530 Jukebox. I don't believe we have two tapes devices.

Are there any other options?

Thanks!

 

[ag100]

Hey -

>>So I was thinking.. Is there a way to have a file or >>printout with the current information on the tapes.

>>Something like:
>>Volume CO4851
>>Date: 10/20/06
>>Server1
>> C:\
>> F:\Archives\Tsk_dhis\Arc10\arc.dat:
>> etc..
>>Date: 10/20/06
>>Server2 etc..."

You can script something to dump the bootstrap and save set information to a single file. Example (going back 2 weeks):

mminfo -B -q "savetime > 2 weeks ago" > c:\recover_info.txt
mminfo -q "savetime > 2 weeks ago" -vot >> c:\recover_info.txt

Now you have a single file with your bootstrap and save set information... From there, you can burn the file to CD for offsite storage, email it, print it, etc... While this won't give you file specifics, you'd have any idea of all of the tapes you would need.

>>We have a MTI1530 Jukebox. I don't believe we have two >>tapes devices.

This is generally not recommended. If it fails, it could leave you in a very vulnerable position. You should always have at least 1 more than you need, just in case...

Good Luck!

-ag100

 

[Anthony904]

Excellent suggestion.

I'll give this a try and let you know..

Thanks!