[Technical] Backup Assist

[Grant Frazer]

Hi Ian thanks for the speedy reply,

Unfortunately the NT Backup utility built into Windows doesn't support
the use of the Iomega REV drives and causes numerous errors.  There is a
simple work around where we could create a script to backup the Exchange
files to a server location and then instruct the REV drive to collect
the files and then email the results to the ICT department using BLAT.
Unfortunately this is not an option for us as we are trying to keep the
process simple so that any staff member can follow some simple step by
step instructions on maintaining the backups in the event of the ICT
department being MIA.

I do agree that using Exmerge is great, especially for brick level
backups, but in our particular situation this does not help us as we
still have REV drive problems.  I do admit that by trying to cut down
our backup media costs by using a non standard backup media we have
caused ourselves a few minor issues but nothing to drastic.   The Iomega
REV drive does come with its own basic backup utility but it was very
problematic thus our search for other compatible products.  We have been
using CA Arcserve with the REV drive but we have an issue with the tape
engine locking the drive making it impossible to eject a tape without
first disconnecting the power to the drive and then quickly pushing the
eject button before it fully initialises.  Of course Windows 2000 isn't
as comfortable with the removal of USB devices as XP/2003 is.  

The Backup Assist demo seems to handle the REV drive quite well but we
are concerned with the programs ability to keep soldiering on and doing
its job.  

We would be interested to know of any other programs that are simple and
can support the REV drive as we would prefer to use what have as opposed
to buying another LTO drive.  Any further comments are always greatly
appreciated.


Many Thanks, 

Grant Frazer 
Information and Communication Technologies Manager 
Fintona Girls School 
79 Balwyn Rd, 
Balwyn, VIC, 3103 
Ph +61 3 98301388 
Fax. +61 3 98885682 
<http://www.fintona.vic.edu.au> 

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-----Original Message-----
From: Clark, Ian C [mailto:clark.ian.c at edumail.vic.gov.au] 
Sent: Friday, July 29, 2005 11:09 AM
To: Technical Discussion in Schools Mailing List
Subject: RE: [Technical] Backup Assist

 


________________________________

	From: tech-bounces at edulists.com.au
[mailto:tech-bounces at edulists.com.au] On Behalf Of Grant Frazer
	Sent: Friday, 29 July 2005 10:29 AM
	To: tech at fhc.vic.edu.au
	Subject: [Technical] Backup Assist
	
	
	Hi All,
	 
	I am reviewing cheaper alternatives to Computer Associates
ARCserve for our Exchange server backups.  I have come across a program
called "Backup Assist" which supports most tape media including Iomega
REV drives and its price is about 1/10th of what Computer Associates
would charge for education.  I was wondering if anyone has had any
experience with this program and could possibly provide feedback as to
whether it is suitable product for what we are attempting to do.
	 
_____________________________

Hi Grant,

As you know, the backup utility in Windoze can do basic stuff - and it's
the cheapest alternative of all!  

You can automatically or manually run the backup from another server
(http://www.petri.co.il/backup_exchange_from_non_exchange_server.htm )
and if you want to save individual mailboxes to PST files you can do
that too for no additional cost
(http://www.petri.co.il/brick_level_backup_of_mailboxes_by_using_exmerge
.htm ).

Of course, there might be some feature in ArcServer or BackupExec you
really love, so you shell out the bikkies for it.

Cheers,
Clarky
TSP Surrey Hills Subnetwork


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