Small, Five Computer Company Backup Solution?
I have a small, five computer company that is looking into backups. They have no server, no contract with us and they are non-profit. So, I need some ideas for what kind of backup solution to implement there; or tested and working solutions. Any ideas?
Thanks!
Thanks!
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Lee W, MVP
Carbonite (for home use) IS usable in a business and is a flat fee of $55. The pro version may offer certain SLAs but may not be necessary for their purposes.
It is usable but that can only be run on a single system. So if you have a server where all the data is being held yes that will be perfect. However if all of these 5 systems have data that is needed to be backed up the pro version was designed for this environment where no central storage is available.
Consider the costs:
$10/month = $120/year
So if they have one system - or can switch to one system holding all the data - this saves them $65 per year on the low end.
Actually, something that should be considered - implement a Windows Home Server - it supports up to 10 clients and can provide backup and certain levels of data redundancy for all 5 computers. And if they use Pro editions of the Windows on the workstations, then it also acts as a terminal services gateway. And it's a one time fee as opposed to recurring and allows for quick and easy restores of systems.
You should still do off-site backups, but this can be a very cost effective solution.
$10/month = $120/year
So if they have one system - or can switch to one system holding all the data - this saves them $65 per year on the low end.
Actually, something that should be considered - implement a Windows Home Server - it supports up to 10 clients and can provide backup and certain levels of data redundancy for all 5 computers. And if they use Pro editions of the Windows on the workstations, then it also acts as a terminal services gateway. And it's a one time fee as opposed to recurring and allows for quick and easy restores of systems.
You should still do off-site backups, but this can be a very cost effective solution.
2 or 3 external USB drives with a share, and run something like the free MS synctoy
--------------------------
Free MS tool ; SyncToy v2.0 Sync Toy v2.0 synch toy
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=C26EFA36-98E0-4EE9-A7C5-98D0592D8C52&displaylang=en
One dive should always be off site.
I hope this helps !
--------------------------
Free MS tool ; SyncToy v2.0 Sync Toy v2.0 synch toy
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=C26EFA36-98E0-4EE9-A7C5-98D0592D8C52&displaylang=en
One dive should always be off site.
I hope this helps !
I agree... having dives on site is typically objectionable to the wife/girlfriend...
:-)
:-)
A simple NAS with backup/imaging software
DNS-323 from D-Link (QNAP and Synology NAS is more performant but more costly)
Use Macrium Reflect for backup to the DNS-323 (Shadow Protect is great and more pricey)
DNS-323 from D-Link (QNAP and Synology NAS is more performant but more costly)
Use Macrium Reflect for backup to the DNS-323 (Shadow Protect is great and more pricey)
I also would prefer scheduled backup to a small NAS System (e.g. QNAP). If you use Acronis True Image Home with Plus Package, you are able to backup to a shared NAS directory . You can look inside the backups with Acronis File Explorer, restore single files or folder, do a bare-matal restore with the Acronis Boot CD or convert the backup image to a virtual harddrive ready for use with VMWARE etc.