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Backup Solutions for SBS 2003 - Hardware/Software

Hello Experts,

I can no longer get tapes for my backup system for SBS 2003. I need to get a new tape backup unit, as well as backup software. I have five workstations logging onto the domain. We are using Exchange server so I will have to be able to backup Exchange server. I have 2 Xeon processors, 2 GB of RAM, and need to run unattended backups. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. This issue is fairly urgent for this site.

Thanks again.

Peggy

Lee W, MVP

Most of the hardware you listed is unimportant in the equation. The one important thing is the amount of data. 10GB? 100GB? 1000GB? That will dictate the backup solution - along with your estimated growth.

Your options are:

DDS4 12-20 GB Uncompressed
DLT/DLT1 35-40 GB Uncompressed
SDLT 110-300 GB Uncompressed
LTO 100-400 GB Uncompressed
AIT 25-50 GB Uncompressed (AIT1/AIT2)

(there may be others, but these are the ones I'd consider).

What are you using now?

Lee W, MVP

As for backup software, I'd recommend either Veritas or ArcServe. I'd probably go with Veritas, now that 9.1 has been out for a while. 9.0 was a MESS. I personally liked ArcServe interface and database of backed up files better, but I was managing a 1000 user network with 2 TB of data backed up weekly. Either one would probably be fine for you. The Veritas solution would be slightly better as Veritas made the included backup solution with 2003 so it uses the same tape format.

PeggyPitchford

ASKER

leew,

Thanks for the feedback. I need to backup about 80 GB of data. In terms of the drive -- I know it is an OnStream. We have 80 GB compressed. I am not sure if it is SCSI or IDE, but I believe it is SCSI, using some type of Adaptec card. Sorry for not being more specific.

The software we use is TapeWare, which is OK, but does not do a good job with Exchange. So, Exchange is more of a manual process on backup.

Based on your suggestions, SDLT or LTO would be the way to go. Do you recommend one over the other?

Peggy

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Lee W, MVP

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Lee W, MVP

Note: Any time to implement a non-standard solution, the cost in your time is likely to go up - so the hard drive idea might turn out to be more expensive then buying a known solution of tapes and a drive.

Mazaraat

I agree with leew, get either an sdlt or lto drive, Veritas has a Small Business Server version of its software that comes with the agents for exchange and sql =)

Mazaraat

http://www.veritas.com/Products/www/html/Data_Protection/bewsbs_history.html

PeggyPitchford

ASKER

Leew and Mazaraat, thank you, thank you, thank you for all your help and answers. You were very helpful and informative and allowed me to make an informed decision. I ended up selecting Veritas SBS Premium software, and a SDLT drive (160 GB). Thanks again.