Backup drive

[jamoor]

HP StorageWorks DAT 72e Tape Drive (DW027A) - External (Kit - Media - UK Warranty)
USB 2.0, 36/72GB (Part No: DW027A)

We are thinking of getting the above, there is not much data to backup, maybe the maximum data will be 25-30 gigs.

Are these DAT tape systems good, or is something else a better bet?

 

[BillytheImpaler]

How much is that backup kit? Might it be more economical to use a pair of SATA hard disks; one for local backup, one for your safety deposit box?

 

[jamoor]

£400,
hard drives are too much hassle.

 

[BillytheImpaler]

Why do you say that?

 

[MattJones2k6]

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250GB ST3250620AS SATA-II 16MB Cache - OEM (HD-079-SE) - Price: £52.55 (£61.75 Including VAT at 17.5%)

Then place it in one of these...

 

[jamoor]

Why do you say that?

putting it in your pocket to take home is difficult, also I can buy an external usb drive instead (which I am going to do anyway) the server already has 2 hard drives mirroring each other anyway.

 

[fonzee]

£400,
hard drives are too much hassle.

not hot swapable ones...

drive caddys are wonderful as well you know.

 

[jamoor]

not hot swapable ones...

drive caddys are wonderful as well you know.

yes, but I would rather have data backed up on more than 1 medium.

 

[unde4d]

tape drives are expensive, relatively slow, and they dont backup much data. That Storageworks will backup 36GBs uncompressed. It says it can do 72GB compressed, but thats not gonna happen IRL. Plus, who on earth thinks its a good idea to compress your backup data!
If you are a Small Business, then go for it. Thats what we install on our 5-10 person offices. But tapes aren't as reliable as you'd hope, and you need to use that tapedrive daily to get really make it a worthwhile purchase.

1st line of defence - RAID 5 your server
2nd line of defence - tape drive.
3rd line of defence - "online" backup (remote backup over the web)