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Off-Site Tape Backup Storage

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by pkiefer 1 view

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I am soliciting ideas on how to best implement an off-site tape backup storage plan. We have a very solid tape rotation and off-site schedule plan. However, our current off-site storage location is at home.

While this method is cost-effective, convenient and makes tape retrieval very easy, I don't feel that it is the best option.

Do most folks use outside services to provide off-site tape backup rotation or are there other obvious methods to maintain an easy, convenient and readily available off-site rotation.

Thanks.

5 replies

by ebob

3 Options that you might want to consider
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1 - Use a commercial supplier of such services. "Command" is one brand name that I know. They are open 7x24. They have good control. They cost a fair bit of money (OK, this is usually a negative).

2 - If you have 2 locations reasonably far apart (at least a few blocks) you might just swap media between the sites. The only cost might be the courier between the sites. And presumably you can always have access to the media at the "other" site.

3 - The bank has safe-deposit boxes. They're pretty cheap; a lot less expensive than a commercial storage place. DON'T DO IT! I won't bore you with a horror story of a site that decided to work the statutory holiday to get a long weekend, and had a database server crash, but could not get the tapes that were safely (but cheaply!) tucked away at the bank who themselves were of course closed for the stat.

(true story)

by dennis cooper, raleigh

The Safety Deposit Box idea was considered here in that the bank is across the street. We too elected not to do it for the above mentioned reason.
Our decision: We purchased a safe with a good fire rating. You can be so careful you end up creating more work than you likely have time for.

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