Hello
I am looking for a solution for my current backup problem.
The Current Infrastructure
Over 200 servers (mixture of Solaris, Linux, Apple MAC, Windows and VMware) are backed up by actioning approximately 1500 backup jobs a night utilising Symantec Netbackup (version 7.5) software, Sun infrastructure and a tape library (capacity of 500 LT04 tapes @ 800GB/tape).
The Backup Service covers all files, Oracle & SQL databases, Exchange Server, Active Directory, VMware, Applications and Web Servers.
Current volumes of data being backed up are 32TB for the weekly backups and 11TB’s for the daily differentials.
There is a "disk to disk” then “disk to tape" schedule, which includes a daily differential copy, a weekly copy (with daily differentials) and a month end backup, with a 3 month retention period for most.
Tape is utilised for overflow backup purposes only as there is insufficient disk storage for the backup regime.
The backup window runs each night from 18:00 to 07:00 (including weekends).
The physical infrastructure utilised for the enterprise backup service comprises of Sun servers & storage (maximum capacity of 32TB) and for the Backup.
Due to the volumes of backups required and the capacity/performance of the current infrastructure, we are continually having to manage backups on a day by day basis. This situation results in failure to meet the daily service targets with the requirement to reschedule the failed backups outside the backup service window which impacts performance of other services during this period.
The problems are not only endless with the current infrastructure, but they are obvious from the above in that there is insufficient space for the backups. When one or more backups fail, there is a huge risk of data loss if one or more servers crash. The problems are endless, but the bottom line is the above infrastrucutre is not ideal and not sustainable.
What we would like to look at is the following:
- Stay with Symantec Netbackup (No additional cost with licences and training)
- Replicate sites where possible (new architecture)
- Improved hardware performance (faster processing, increased memory and improved connectivity).
- Improved software/hardware technology, i.e., deduplication, data compression
- Utilise VMware policy backups
- Possibly utilise appliance technology
- Update tape technology and utilise to meet back-up/off-site copy capabilities
- Have a solution that is scalable
- Implement a solution that is green (i.e. environment friendly)
- Ensure the implemented solution is capable of lasting for 3 - 5 years
I have had a look at LTO6 tapes as they show great potential for storage capabilities, but I would like to know what else I can look at for solutions.
TIA