Tape Vs DVD-R

[araspa]

We recommend to pharmacies what backup solution they should have in place.

We are finding a trend that more and more want DVD as backup solution.

Personally I dont think they are a business solution. Our database which they have to backup is only 4 gig max (so a DVDR can do it) The only thing is the data is IMPORTANT!

So Im interested in hearing your Pro's and Con's about this.

Cheers
Anthony

 

[comtec17]

What is to happen when the database grows larger than 4GB?

Does the database have to be down to backup? If so, a DVD backup solution would be slower than a tape solution.

 

[araspa]

I cant ever see the DB gowing bigger than 4.7 gig. We have customers in place for 5-6 years and its 1 gig. So it will be a VERY long time (10 years) before it goes over that mark.

The Database is shut down for maintence at a predetermined time and copied to another HDD in the server for backup (say F. The backup is then done from this drive F:. (this is done so a) we have a copy of last nights data (replaced nightly) and b)we have an additional failsafe of a tape which gets replaced on a weekly cycle.

 

[comtec17]

I think the cost will end up being the ultimate factor here. With DVR you cannot reuse, thus costing around $5 for every day and having to use a new media each time. With tape, it might cost you $30 for a new one but can be reused for years.

 

[FredUG]

> With tape, it might cost you $30 for a new one but can be reused for years.

Tapes should be rotated out of use long before a year. Tape rotation is somewhat dependant on how and what you backup but I'd never use a daily tape for a year. Maybe a monthly tape but not a daily or even a weekly tape.

My 2 cents,

FredUG

 

[dschieltz]

We are using dvd-rw's for backing up a small server at a remote location. It seems to be working pretty well for us.

We have set a normal rotation schedule and reuse the media for incrementals and save monthly for archive.

We are using a very inexpensive software package called Backup Now. About $100 for the deluxe version, available from NewTech Infosystems. It doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles but is very easy to setup and use.