Off-site backup advice requested

Dai · 22-09-2008, 16:36

I need to get some automated backup in place for a client's server. I'm thinking the way to go is FTP to a remote storage provider. Google of course offers up a shipload of such services all promising 99% perfection.

So, a reality check please. Who do you folks know and recommend?

We're not talking vast amounts of data here, it's a small office with SBS2003 and about a dozen users.

22-09-2008, 16:47

You have a PM!

Dai · 22-09-2008, 17:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by LSainsbury

You have a PM!

seen and replied. Thanks.

MovedGoalPosts · 22-09-2008, 17:34

Whether remote backup is practical may depend on the costs for the service, and bandwidth available.

SBS2003 has a reasonable backup utility inbuilt - It's weakness is exchange in that it backs up the whole data store as one, so you can't restore an individual mailbox You can get third party software though.

It depends on how much data is readily changing. Tape drives are simple enough to operate and automate. Just requires someone on site to remember to change it and cart away. Alternatively look at the Iomega Rev drives - and cheaper than tape for the capacity, although to work properly with SBS third party software is best. I've found this to work well.

Dai · 22-09-2008, 18:51

This HP box actually has a DAT 72 fitted which I have enabled for nightly backups. The main problem here is getting someone who will actually change, rotate and store tapes reliably.

The office is very much crisis-driven most of the time. Managing sub-contractors on a variety of different sites with a whole mess of deadlines to meet.

I'd be a lot more comfortable knowing that an offsite backup was scheduled automatically.