Best Practice for PST files
We have the same problem that many companies do: We use Exchange, but we also use PST's for archiving. We're a small site, and don't currently want a full Exchange archiving solution, so using Outlook's archival abilities is great.
However, we now need to worry about backing up those PSTs. We don't backup desktops however, so this presents a problem.
How is this generally handled?
Should we setup a GPO that replicates this data to a network share?
One problem with this approach is that you need a local cache version, and copying a huge PST every logon/logoff could present a problem.
Thoughts?
However, we now need to worry about backing up those PSTs. We don't backup desktops however, so this presents a problem.
How is this generally handled?
Should we setup a GPO that replicates this data to a network share?
One problem with this approach is that you need a local cache version, and copying a huge PST every logon/logoff could present a problem.
Thoughts?
A network store sounds like the perfect solution for your needs. Since it will be local for everyone to use, map it on user computer so that programs such as outlook can read it as just another drive. Once the inital setup is done, you can start making copies of the pst's and putting them into this network drive into respected folders (bob's pst would be under bob folder) too keep organized. Have outlook look for the pst to save to and boom your done! Depending on size of you nas you can have use it as a place to store files and what not or for a shared section for your users (possibilities are endless ). This is the way WE have our network storage for pst's set up and we have no problems with it.
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WESTcoast707: Are you supporting laptop/mobile users using this method? That's going to be the real trick.
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As WESTcoast707 says, if you have a good network, small PST files, an no laptop, you can put PST files on the network
But as when your are using a backup engine (like ntbackup or other) or a script, this will (often) failed for PST files when they are opened by Outlook, and when the backup can be done the whole PST file is backed up (like the backup utility from Microcosft)
You can also have a look to BackupMyFolder! or PSTSTation Corporate (http://www.addonmail.com)
All these products are able to scheduled the backup, do incrementals backup, and are able to backup while Outlook is opened and they manage laptop.
BackupMyFolder! is a freeware that do scheduled incremental backup of PST files, and is manages by the user
PSTStation Corporate is a product that allows an administrator to discover PST files/Users/Hosts on the network and then do job on these PST files like backup. The backup can be done while Outlook is running throw an agent deployed on client side.
Laptop are managed throw a special feature that allows to backup according to the boot of the laptop (the agent notify PSTStation Corporate for his availability).
But as when your are using a backup engine (like ntbackup or other) or a script, this will (often) failed for PST files when they are opened by Outlook, and when the backup can be done the whole PST file is backed up (like the backup utility from Microcosft)
You can also have a look to BackupMyFolder! or PSTSTation Corporate (http://www.addonmail.com)
All these products are able to scheduled the backup, do incrementals backup, and are able to backup while Outlook is opened and they manage laptop.
BackupMyFolder! is a freeware that do scheduled incremental backup of PST files, and is manages by the user
PSTStation Corporate is a product that allows an administrator to discover PST files/Users/Hosts on the network and then do job on these PST files like backup. The backup can be done while Outlook is running throw an agent deployed on client side.
Laptop are managed throw a special feature that allows to backup according to the boot of the laptop (the agent notify PSTStation Corporate for his availability).
1) Backup to a network share by creating an ntbackup job, or your GPO option
2) Put it on the client to backup thier own to an external drive, etc.