Need a hardware backup solution

[YosemiteSam]

Hi,

I'm trying to help a friend set up a small business (one man law firm). He'd like to be able to backup his important documents and contracts on a hourly or daily basis in case of a crash. What is the best solution for this? I'm guessing it's a combination of software and hardware (software to automatically backup the data at the scheduled times and hardware to actually store the data).
Any help is appreciated.

 

[Vegito]

Whats your budget

File server + Volume Shadow Copy + Real time data replication -> Backup server + VSS + DLT/LTO/etc Tapes

Replistor
XOSoft WAN Sync
Veritas had one (symantec now)
SecondCopy

there are a lot of replication software. You should get driver based as it intercepts calls from read/write and replicates it before it writes to disk. Things like second copy replicates it after disk i/o has finish

 

[YosemiteSam]

Thanks forcesho,

any idea about how much a set up like that would run?
I know my friend is looking to do things on the cheap... although
I agree that backups are essential and one shouldn't skimp when it comes
to that. Just wondering if there are other cheaper alternatives.
I would like to be able to present him with a few options if possible.
Thanks again

 

[Vegito]

VSS is free with MS Server 2003, and NTBackup works fine and also free.

So OS would be like 700 but that only makes online same server backup

Replication software ranges from 1500-5000.

Tape drive, DLT/LTO range from 700-5000 also

Backup software = 200-500

So yeah its pretty expensive.

If you choose something like second copy.. its 30 dollar license... just make sure you save often so it'll close the file i/o and it'll kick off a copy.

How much data are you looking to do ? ie pick a tape drive 2x of total data you have currently.. else you'll be switching tapes pretty soon

 

[wpshooter]

Originally posted by: YosemiteSam
Thanks forcesho,

any idea about how much a set up like that would run?
I know my friend is looking to do things on the cheap... although
I agree that backups are essential and one shouldn't skimp when it comes
to that. Just wondering if there are other cheaper alternatives.
I would like to be able to present him with a few options if possible.
Thanks again

Try Veritas/Symantec Backup Exec. software & Quantum DLT tape backup drive (size of tape drive will, of course, depend on the potential capacity of your server. We use it here at work for nightly backups. Works great.

Also consider getting Undelete Server from Executive Software. It will allow you to restore any files that your users may accidentally or (EVEN ON PURPOSE) delete (on your server) during the work day since your last nightly backup. Again, works great.

Will be glad to point you to source if you would like.

 

[YosemiteSam]

Thanks for the help guys!
I'm going to research those things you mentioned.