The optimal backup solution: it's now within your reach

Computer Technology Review, Oct, 2004 by Jim McKinstry

Conclusion

Historically, solving backup needs was an easy task. It was just a function of the backup window, the amount of data to be backed up, and the speed of the backup drives to calculate how many drives were needed. For some, this is still the preferred method. For others, the backup window may be so small, or their environment so complex, they will need to implement some sort of SAN enabled technology. If the need is for fast backups and a lot of random restores, then a SAN disk-based backup solution may be in order. Many companies may implement a variety of solutions (e.g., adding a disk-based backup unit or a snapshot solution that extends the useful life of an existing tape-based library). Whatever the need-backup, restore or archive--there is a SAN-enabled solution on the market to address it.

Jim McKinstry is senior systems engineer at Engenio Information Technologies. Inc. (Milpitas, CA)

www.engenio.com