better backup option? program vs os?

[BKLounger]

So for a small office environment of 6 computers which would be a better option? just a software backup program like veritas (or something else?) or windows server? This is for a non profit organization.

 

[loup garou]

Originally posted by: BKLounger
So for a small office environment of 6 computers which would be a better option? just a software backup program like veritas (or something else?) or windows server? This is for a non profit organization.

Is there a server already in place? What sort of data will be backed up, databases, mailserver dbs, files? How much data? Where is the data located, on workstations, files server, NAS?

 

[BKLounger]

there is 6 workstations on a router meant for home use (being npo they alot next to nothing for IT), the files being backed up are typically ms office stuff, e-mail and other random files. I have been told hd size per machine ranges from 40gb to 160gb. they want something that will backup each machine in case of a crash on said machine. and if there is a crash they just click a couple buttons and they are able to restore the machine to it's previous state. they are also talking about they may want to make backups to tape as well for offsite storage.

 

[loup garou]

Originally posted by: BKLounger
there is 6 workstations on a router meant for home use (being npo they alot next to nothing for IT), the files being backed up are typically ms office stuff, e-mail and other random files. I have been told hd size per machine ranges from 40gb to 160gb. they want something that will backup each machine in case of a crash on said machine. and if there is a crash they just click a couple buttons and they are able to restore the machine to it's previous state. they are also talking about they may want to make backups to tape as well for offsite storage.

I work with several NFPs that size and smaller, my general MO is an SBS 2003 server hosting files, Exchange email, etc and use iBackup to backup all data offsite.

Sounds like they want something that they can run themselves and probably at little to no cost, though. Generally, those are the type of people we turn down as clients, as they end up being more trouble than they are worth, sorry to say...

One thing I can recommend on a semi-related note, that if they are a 501(c)(3) organization, they should check to see if they are eligible for TechSoup purchases.

 

[ITJunkie]

You could always use something like TrueImage to clone/image the PC's. It's relatively inexpensive. For backups and off-site storage you might take a look at Carbonite.