Backup Server (or some solution) Needed...

[M0NEYSH0T]

Hi all,

I am not 100% confident this should be posted here, but I couldn't find anything more applicable so here goes...

I have 2 computers (for a small business) and I am in need of a backup solution, an instant (or as close to instant) backup solution in the form of a server that primarily meant for backups, and in the event of tragedy, easily restorable.

Do any of you have any thoughts or perhaps you could point me in the right direction?

Thanks,

M

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

As in to backup the files on each or something where if one fails, you have another 'spare' computer you can use? Also, what's the price range?

 

[mikecel79]

Would this be for archival purposes or are you looking to just store data on the PCs to a central location? How often will you perfom backups? What kind f budget you looking at? There's lots of backup solutions but you need to define your goals a little better.

edit: How much data are we talking about too?

 

[M0NEYSH0T]

I need something that will basically mirror the harddrives on each of the 2 computers so that if one of the computers fails due to a harddrive failure, I can just pop out the harddrives, and popin the new. Or if any of the 2 computers crash, I'll still have the data left on the backup server. Make sense?

Budget...

Well, $500 - $1000.00??? But I am OPEN to suggestions. )

 

[mikecel79]

If your just looking to mirror the data on the PCs drives then why not just use a RAID controller in each one and mirror the hard drives in there. That would be the easiest and cheapest way to do it. The problem with this is that it does NOT protect against accidental deletions or against damaged caused by a virus (think the Lovebug virus).

If it were me I would get a machine to be used as a server with mirrored drives and then attach tape drive to it. Have everyone store their data on the server instead of the PCs and then do weekly full backups and nightly incrementals with the tape drive. Then if a machine fails you only need to load the OS and apps instead. Or if you can't afford the time to load the OS and apps keep a Ghost image of each machine and if the drive fails in it put in a new one and ghost your image back onto it.

 

[Alptraum]

Originally posted by: mikecel79
If your just looking to mirror the data on the PCs drives then why not just use a RAID controller in each one and mirror the hard drives in there. That would be the easiest and cheapest way to do it. The problem with this is that it does NOT protect against accidental deletions or against damaged caused by a virus (think the Lovebug virus).

If it were me I would get a machine to be used as a server with mirrored drives and then attach tape drive to it. Have everyone store their data on the server instead of the PCs and then do weekly full backups and nightly incrementals with the tape drive. Then if a machine fails you only need to load the OS and apps instead. Or if you can't afford the time to load the OS and apps keep a Ghost image of each machine and if the drive fails in it put in a new one and ghost your image back onto it.

Mikecel79 pretty much covers it. If you really want to be safe you will go RAID and then back that up on tape. The RAID will protect you from almost any disk failure and the tapes from just about everything else (virus, deletion of the wrong thing and so on). Go with both. That can go past your budget, but when presented properly most business owners or accountants will see the value in protecting their data.

 

[M0NEYSH0T]

Here's the thing. I bought 2 new Gateways for the business. Can I just install RAID? My understanding is that it is part of the motherboard. Am I wrong?

If it can just be installed, could you point in a direction (web site) or something?

THANKS A TON TO ALL OF YOU THAT HELPED!

 

[mikecel79]

What model Gateways? They may even have an oboard RAID controller if they use SATA drives and the Intel 865/875 chipset. If not you can always add a RAID controller from companies like Promise, Adaptec, or Highpoint.

 

[M0NEYSH0T]

Ok thanks...

But how does the RAID CONTROLLER work? Do you just plug it into the PCI slot, and have a ribbon cord from another harddrive to the Raid Controller PCI Card?

Let me rephrase the question...

If I buy something like this,
Raid Controller

Do I plug the new harddrive into it and the contents of the master drive are mirrored?

 

[mikecel79]

A RAID controller is like any other hard drive controller but with special redundancy options. You stick it in a PCI slot and then you connect your hard drives to it. However we need to know what kind and size hard drives are in the machine now. The card you linked to is for a server and would not be needed for your machine.