I have a conundrum. My server has a lot of storage capacity (right now 8TB in two different RAID sets with redundancy), and I'd like to back it up for obvious reasons. But, I'm not sure how to do it; there's a lot of capacity so the only way to get all of it in a reasonable method would be a RAID or RAID-like setup. I've thought about a few different scenarios, and would like an opinion on which is best, or if there's another better idea.
1. I have 8 more drive slots in my server, so I can add another RAID card and have my data duplicated on the same computer. Disadvantage is if the PSU goes and takes my drives with it (I did buy a high-quality PSU, so I'm hoping this won't happen), or something else entirely. This is a relatively cheap solution, though, because I would only need drives and a controller.
2. Build a FreeNAS or Nexenta box and have it back up there. I have hardware to throw at this and would just need a case, drives, controller, and maybe an additional NIC. One issue with this is that I would most likely have to place this on the same circuit in my house, and probably on the same UPS (though its battery has plenty of juice to see both computers through a safe shutdown).
3. Buy an external box like Drobo or a NAS that sits somewhere on my network. I kind of dislike this idea because it would be pretty expensive and potentially limited in storage capacity. It would be easiest if I put this on that same circuit, as well. If the solution is really quiet, I might be able to move it somewhere else, but it would be without a battery backup.
Any thoughts? What are you using to back up large amounts of data? I've thought about offsite like Mozy or Carbonite, but my bandwidth is a bit lacking.
1. I have 8 more drive slots in my server, so I can add another RAID card and have my data duplicated on the same computer. Disadvantage is if the PSU goes and takes my drives with it (I did buy a high-quality PSU, so I'm hoping this won't happen), or something else entirely. This is a relatively cheap solution, though, because I would only need drives and a controller.
2. Build a FreeNAS or Nexenta box and have it back up there. I have hardware to throw at this and would just need a case, drives, controller, and maybe an additional NIC. One issue with this is that I would most likely have to place this on the same circuit in my house, and probably on the same UPS (though its battery has plenty of juice to see both computers through a safe shutdown).
3. Buy an external box like Drobo or a NAS that sits somewhere on my network. I kind of dislike this idea because it would be pretty expensive and potentially limited in storage capacity. It would be easiest if I put this on that same circuit, as well. If the solution is really quiet, I might be able to move it somewhere else, but it would be without a battery backup.
Any thoughts? What are you using to back up large amounts of data? I've thought about offsite like Mozy or Carbonite, but my bandwidth is a bit lacking.
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