SQL Server Backup on network

[Sam443]

I need to be able to direct my backups to the network. However, when I create the backup, my only option is to put it on one of the drives on the server. My server is running out of space, so I really need these backups on the network. Any ideas...

 

[CTR]

Get a DDS-3 or DLT drive and some decent backup software like Backup Exec.

 

[Sam443]

Thanks, CTR

 

[vi edit]

That, and it is always nice to have a backup on removeable media that you can take offsite in the event of a natural disaster (IE fire or tornado) that could potentially destroy all on site machines/hard drives.

 

[Spiff]

You don't say what backup software you are currently using. I'm guessing this is also MS SQL Server... either 6.5 or 7.0

Keep in mind that backing up an active DB with Backup software will require either special configurations or it will require add-on's that have licensng costs associated. This is to avoid issues with that would arise from the interruption of transaction processing, provided the backup did not simply error out on that file. There are options to avoid those costs, or to even avoid the software altogether... though I don't recommend the latter.

MS SQL Server has the ability to perform "database dumps". This is a way of backing up the specified db's by dumping the contents to a flat file, or files if more than one db. You could then take those dumps and copy them to another machine. This involves using SQL Enterprise Manager to create "backup devices" for those db's you wish to backup. Then creating a scheduled task (still within SQL EM) for each of those you wish to backup. The nice thing about these dumps is that they happen very quickly without interruption to SQL transactions.

If you have the SQL Admin Tools installed, these tools will include the SQL Online Books. Surprisingly, this has incredible wealth of information on operating SQL Server, including information on SQL commands and queries.

 

[LordOfAll]

OK Spiff you actually sounded credible until you said that MS made some worthwhile online Docs. I might actually go buy me a copy just so i can see this phenomenon for myself.

 

[Spiff]

MS has produced many worthwhile documents that are available "online"

NT Resource Kit
MS TechNet

The Hands-On Self Paced Training Kits... at least the ones for NT 4.0 had good info in them.

The online doc to which I am referring here is not a simple "help" doc. It is a comprehensive resource guide. Quite a different matter.

 

[LordOfAll]

Ah yes back to those apples and oranges. You mentioned the resource kit and technet, both things you have to buy extra. Gee wouldn't it be nice if they gave you online docs with the program you already paid for!

 

[Spiff]

oops I should clarify... the docs that come with SQL are the comprehensive docs to which I was originally referring. It is more than just a help and quite surprising that it was included with the software install.

 

[Sam443]

Thanks, all!