NetWorker server on Windows 2000 or Linux?

[angelshark]

Hello,


We currently have a NetWorker server running on Solaris 2.6 in a Sun Ultra Enterprise 450 server and we're planning to replace it by an HP Proliant DLT580 G3 server, for performance reasons.
We like the flexibility that we have with our current server when it comes to managing our logs and notifications using shell scripts.

1. In Windows 2000, how flexible and simple is it to create scripts to manage the logs and notifications of NetWorker?
2. Are there any advantages to running a NetWorker server on Windows 2000?
3. How stable and fast is the Linux platform as a NetWorker server?


Thanks for your help and/or comments.

Célio

 

[605]

I think this question points more to wheich OS you prefer
instead of which NW version you prefer.

From my point of view i would put as less effort as possible
in the move, so i would go for Linux.

 

[birky]

Have to agree with 605...it all depends on the OS that you prefer.

Personaly I'd opt for the linux box as you already are satisfied with how Networker is functioning within a Unix env.

 

[angelshark]

What would be the best choice for a Unix OS for the x86 architecture for this scenario, Solaris or Linux?


Thanks

 

[joeunixadmin]

Hi,

I think you'll find better NetWorker support for Solaris on x86 but, it's probably a little easier to get Linux running on the same hardware. I would ask your Legato service partner for a recommendation. Have you considered sticking with Solaris and upgrading to a newer server? You might be surprised at the prices for used servers.

-Joe

 

[angelshark]

Hello,


Actually, NetWorker doesn't support Solaris on x86 for their server package, only the client package is supported, but Linux is fully supported for all packages, and when it comes to server compatibility, the server which we're planning to acquire – the HP Proliant DL580 doesn't seem to be compatible with Solaris but it is fully compatible with Red Hat Linux, so if we were to choose a Unix OS, the choice would be pretty clear – Linux. The hardest part is to convince our company to go for Linux instead of Windows 2000. Are any of you guys running NetWorker on Linux?

Thanks for your posts.

 

[605]

Hi angelshark,

your statement is true and false:
- Legato does not provide a NW server for Solaris x86
- but SUN does (Solstice Backup), to my knowledge

 

[keefb]

Hi angelshark,

Another thing to consider is that if you move your server to another server (Linux or Windows) from the Solaris server, it is NOT supported that you move your metadata (index's and d/b) you would have to start afresh.

Legato will allow the transfer of metadata from a like to like platform, and in legato terms this means Solaris to Solaris, HP to HP and windows to windows.

It does not mean Unix to Unix, so as far as legato are concerned then a different flavour of Unix means a different platform.

I did alot of testing here for a scenario very similar to this and all seemed to go ok but the problems didn't present themselves until a little way down the road.

If you did move, no historic data could move.

So as "joeunixadmin" said it may be worth considering staying with what you have an upgrading.

Good luck.

Regards
KeefB

 

[angelshark]

Hi keefb,


Actually, we're planning to keep our Solaris NetWorker server for at least until all the volumes and indexes expire. This way there's no need to migrate them to the newer server.


Thanks for the post.

 

[605]

Hello KeefB,

your statement is correct in general. However, the technical reason behind that is the "little endian" and "big
endian" processing of the data by the CPU.

This means that you can even transfer the databases as long
the "endians" are the same.

In fact i did some tests a while ago and actually could
transfer NW databases between Linux and Windows, because
both systems are "little-endians" !!!!!!!!!!

Needless to say that this is not supported!