Re: What backup solution for direct-attach?

From: Jason Dixon (jason_at_dixongroup.net)
Date: 08/20/03

  • Next message: Ronald W. Heiby: "Re: [OT] SCO debunking its own myths :-)" 
    To: redhat-list@redhat.com
Date: 20 Aug 2003 13:17:24 -0400

    On Wed, 2003-08-20 at 10:24, Furnish, Trever G wrote:
    > Howdy, all,
    >
    > I'm looking for recommendations on backup software, scsi controller, and
    > tape drive for use in backing up a single redhat server. I'd prefer
    > something free but it needs to be low-overhead and reliable - hoping to keep
    > cost low (aren't we always?).
    >
    > What software, controller, and tape drive works for you? What would you
    > suggest or suggest avoiding?

    Funny you mentioned it, I've been dealing with just this issue today. I
    have a client that purchased a Dell PowerEdge 600SC server with internal
    IDE Travan 20/40 drive. The drive sucks. Others concur. Stay away
    from Travan drives unless you really enjoy beating your head against a
    wall.

    I can't really recommend anything without knowing your
    data/administrative requirements. For example, my client, a physical
    therapist, has around 5G of uncompressed (mainly binary) data. This
    isn't going to compress much, so it's unlikely that it'll fit onto a
    single DVD-R/W disc. Yes, we could dump it into split images and span
    media, but that's going to require him to perform the daily/weekly
    swaps.

    The other alternatives include hardware RAID and other type drive
    technologies. I'd love to see him use an external RAID setup, but
    that's not cheap. Neither are tape drives, but the short- and mid-term
    investment makes more sense. It's unlikely that he'll ever need the
    capactity of multiple external RAID drives. A new 20G DLT or DDS drive
    is more appropriate, but is still bound to set him [at the *very* least]
    $400. You can probably get some better deals on eBay, but you're not
    getting any warrantee.

    On the other hand, if it's a small amount of data and/or you can swap
    media yourself, CD-R/W would be a nice alternative. I still use it to
    backup my server and firewall configurations at home and office. You
    can get a super-speedy CD burner for less than $100 these days.

    HTH. 

    -- 
Jason Dixon, RHCE
DixonGroup Consulting
http://www.dixongroup.net
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