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SBS Backup Solutions?

Hi,
I have a few SBS networks that I manage, the current backup policies in place are very poor and I want a better way to backup.

My current proposed solution is 3 x 160GB 2.5 External drives that are rotated nightly. Less then $300 and should be pretty easy solution. My servers both have like < 40GB worth of data and I don't expect it to grow a ton more then that.

I am interested in what your backup solutions are, in particular TechSoEasy's backup solution involving USB external drives. What type of media? How much? How is it rotated?

Thanks,
Travis

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ccns

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Glenn Abelson

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TSchug

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Thanks for the input guys.

I think tape has a purpose for large servers, but I cringe at thought of ever having to restore from tape.

As far as partitioning goes I didn't think that was necessary? SBS will store so many versions and should just get rid of the oldest backup on that drive, I don't think there is an easy way to make the SBS wizard deal with partitions and drive letters. Also have to account for the fact that there is no guarantee the drive will get switched every single day. These are busy people, I can see where they would forget to swap. IF they forgot to swap I think SBS would just keep replacing older backups, but I'm not sure.

Backups are stored across the hall in a fireproof enclosure, theft should not be an issue, very secure building, worst case scenario: data isn't super-sensitive.

I feel I'm going the right way with this but would love to get some direction from someone who utilizes a similar setup.

ccns

If that is the case I would sugest getting at least 2 more drives, otherwise when trying to figure out which drive to use could be tedius albiet quick seeing there is only 3 drives, but 3 drive rotation weekly seems to be very hard thing to configure.
One thing i would definately Reccomend getting a backup program, ie: backup exec or similar, only be cause it makes it so much easier when going to restore or backup data.

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Jeffrey Kane - TechSoEasy

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Jeffrey Kane - TechSoEasy

Just to respond to ccns' comment about BackupExec making it easier to restore or backup data... I would wholeheartedly disagree. I've never had a problem restoring data from the built-in SBS backup. And configuring BackupExec to create a proper backup can be a difficult task and creates the possibility of missing critical information, whereas the built-in SBS Backup is essentially configured just by running the wizard.
Jeff
TechSoEasy

TSchug

ASKER

Thanks for the response TechSoEasy.

Just to clarify: What do I set the number of full backups to in the SBS wizard? 12?

Also, I notice when NT backup is running the Exchange server backup isn't checked in the background, I assume it's still backing up exchange store just not individual? But it would still be everything I need to revert the server to system state backup and have exchange and files. etc. correct?

This solution sounds great to me, much cheaper then the RD1000 and easy to upgrade if our storage requirements ever change.

Jeffrey Kane - TechSoEasy

First of all.. .my math was off. The total backups using 3 drives is really just 9. Which still should be enough.
Set the total backups to 3 though. With proper disk rotation this will still catch 9. If your storage requirements change you can always get larger USB drives (you can now get 500GB 2.5" drives).
Jeff
TechSoEasy