What are the options for backups? Two years ago CD-Rs were enough, but today, even DVD-Rs look small. If you have 30 to 40 GBs of data, you still need a lot of DVD-Rs. DVD-RAM is 9.4GB per disc. Is that a good alternative?
What about tape drives?
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What are the options for backups? Two years ago CD-Rs were enough, but today, even DVD-Rs look small. If you have 30 to 40 GBs of data, you still need a lot of DVD-Rs. DVD-RAM is 9.4GB per disc. Is that a good alternative?
What about tape drives?
Tape is good for high storage requirments, but is not random access and can be slow. Tape drives can also be quite expensive. DVD-R is nice because it is random access, but the drives are still pricy and the size isn't there. If you need a backup of a sizeable drive, I'd reccomend buying a big slow IDE drive, use Norton Ghost or a similar tool to create a backup file, and use the IDE drive to store those images. Take the IDE drive out of the system and store carefully when not using it as a backup.
If you have lots of critical data, tape is the way to go.
I personally like digital linear tape (DLT) drives though there are several other technologies available. Newer DLT drives are called SDLT drives where S is for Super. They all use a SCSI interface. They come in various formats, capacities and speeds. Retired, older technology products are still available and less expensive. Refurbished units are available with warranties for less than $200. Available products are:These are commercial grade products meant for almost continuous use. They are not inexpensive, but they are darn well worth the cost when compared to the cost of the data.Code:Type Capacity Speed Approx Price
Gigabytes MB/second
DLT1 (Current) 40/80 3/6 1,000
DLT4000 (Retired) 20/40 3/6 600
DLT7000 (Retired) 35/70 5/10 900
DLT8000 (Current) 40/80 6/12 2,200
SDLT220 (Current) 110/220 11/22 3,200
SDLT320 (Current) 160/320 16/32 3,500
On my home system I do an automatic, scheduled, daily full backup of my 73GB system drive (3 hours) and an incremental backup of my less volatile files that are spread over six 73GB drives (1 hour). I have a DLT1 drive and 50 tapes that are rotated on a schedule. I keep month end tapes for 3 years and year end tapes permanently.
Where exactly would you be able to get these drives? :)Quote:
Originally posted by ua549
Refurbished units are available with warranties for less than $200.
I currently own a Quantium DLT8000 and I love it. Its a 40/80GB tape drive. Its somewhat fast, About 40GB in 3 hours. The tapes are rather expensive, around $70ea. I would prefer a DLT over a DVD-RAM drive. Its just more reliable and can be automatated. Even tho there are plenty of CDR backup software on the market, such as NTI.
I guess since I am a Network Engineer I would like the same equipment as the companies I work for :)
Digitape Systems is a vendor I have used frequently. They have new and refurbished equipment. Be careful about the models because they have all flavors of SCSI interface types - not all will work on a PC.Quote:
Originally posted by Ashpool
Where exactly would you be able to get these drives? :)