zschramm
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Remote Backup Options
Recently I setup a small business server 2003 and am looking at options for backup. I would ideally like to have the backup done to a remote machine nightly, differential or incremental, then a full backup on the weekends. The remote machine is running windows XP right now but am open to possibilities of a linux box as well.
Thanks to your help, I am working on getting the VPN going and then I think what seems to be the easiest is a script that connects the VPN with the server, then downloads the backup file, then disconnects. I would have the server run the backup to the local hard disk and then just have a copy command in the script. Is this feasible? Any suggestions or better ways. I know there are services that will host your data but the amount of data could get quite large, at this point under 20gb, so I think it makes sense to setup my own remote backup.
Thanks to your help, I am working on getting the VPN going and then I think what seems to be the easiest is a script that connects the VPN with the server, then downloads the backup file, then disconnects. I would have the server run the backup to the local hard disk and then just have a copy command in the script. Is this feasible? Any suggestions or better ways. I know there are services that will host your data but the amount of data could get quite large, at this point under 20gb, so I think it makes sense to setup my own remote backup.
ASKER
We have a very fast upload and a fast download at the remote connection. Additionally, if data needs to be restored from the remote site, I can easily go and get the computer or hd out of it to do a quick restore. Good point on the law requirements. Tape is a good option but I just thought the remote solution could be a good automated alternative.
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Online backups for that much data likely won't be all that effective depending on your internet connection. You can always experiment, but I generally recommend, for small businesses, using online backups only for critical files, like a quickbooks file or important database/excel sheet or few. The rest should be done with either tape or external hard drives. External hard drives generally make the most sense, but recent laws passed in the U.S. may require you to save every single backup if you get involved in a legal dispute - this could get costly in which case tape becomes more cost effective. (My backup article is being revised; you might want to check it early next year for an updated version).