Backup Central

Hi,

I have been researching a new backup solution for my company and have heard sales pitches from Data Domain, Exagrid, Overland, FalconStor, Quantum, and IBM. All but Overland say I should probably get a system with de-duplication (but, hey, they're trying to sell their product.). Overland says all I need is a VTL.

Here's what kind of environment I have:

We are predominantly a Windows shop (Windows Server 2003) though we have two Macintosh XServe servers serving as file servers and one Linux server. We have 8 SQL servers, 4 Exchange 2007 servers and are currently backing up about 10 TBs of data in total on full backups on weekends. We are backing up anywhere between 700 GB and 2TB in data in incremental backups Monday through Thursday. About 6TB of our data is image data. We are currently using Backup Exec 12.5 backing up to two IBM 33614LX tape libraries and our full backups are taking approximately 50 hours (down from about 90 with BE 11d) to complete. I would love to see my full backups complete within a 12-24 hour period.

We want to get a primary backup system in place that is disk to disk but back that up to tape to take off-site. We eventually want to be able to replicate off-site.

Does anyone have any recommendations? I like what I hear from DD and FalconStor, but then again, all I've heard so far is what the sales guy had to offer.

Thanks for any input.

I've only use the Quantum DXi5500/7500's and the DataDomain DD690.

Both have their strong points, but have their weaknesses. I think it comes down to this:

If you want OST, Life Cycle policies, and/or have a good network infrastructure, then DataDomain is best.

If you want VTL, need fiber, and/or want to put more disk capacity into a single unit, then DXi is probably better (just make sure you get the latest firmware on a 7500 unit).

I've been able to get both to meet my needs, but only if the DDR has a 10gig card in it. We've backup about 3TB a day, and upwards of 10TB for fulls on the weekends, and have been able to accomplish this and get tapes off-site M-F. The Quantum hasn't been quit as reliable with this due to tape allocation issues intrinsic to any VTL/tape technology, but getting the 10 gig for the DD to work in our environment on the DDR has also been a pain, and we won’t have permanent solution for it until October when our network team says they will be ready to support 10 gig.

I've only use the Quantum DXi5500/7500's and the DataDomain DD690.

Both have their strong points, but have their weaknesses. I think it comes down to this:

If you want OST, Life Cycle policies, and/or have a good network infrastructure, then DataDomain is best.

If you want VTL, need fiber, and/or want to put more disk capacity into a single unit, then DXi is probably better (just make sure you get the latest firmware on a 7500 unit).

I've been able to get both to meet my needs, but only if the DDR has a 10gig card in it. We've backup about 3TB a day, and upwards of 10TB for fulls on the weekends, and have been able to accomplish this and get tapes off-site M-F. The Quantum hasn't been quit as reliable with this due to tape allocation issues intrinsic to any VTL/tape technology, but getting the 10 gig for the DD to work in our environment on the DDR has also been a pain, and we won’t have permanent solution for it until October when our network team says they will be ready to support 10 gig.

IF you are going for DXi, suggest as above, get the latest model with firmware upgraded. They have known issues.

Overland, a basic VTL REO series. They have the BCA incorporated into their new boxes. Their REO C series have a compression ratio of 2:1.

If no budget constraint, go for DD. It's a MNC to Enterprise solution.

You mentioned,
"We want to get a primary backup system in place that is disk to disk but back that up to tape to take off-site. We eventually want to be able to replicate off-site. "
They are known best for their deduplication and replication function. For 10TB storage, I will strongly recommend DD for a investment protection solution. Next time if you are going to implement DR, DD will be the best choice!

Cheers mate!