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Backing up Multiple Servers

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13 replies

by gyalch

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I have one server on my inside network and one on a DMZ. I am trying to decide how to back them up. Can I install an autoloader in one and just back both servers up to that - and if so, which server(DMZ or Inside) - Or should I just install seperate drives in each and send data to a lower security Zone. Thanks.

13 replies

by jereg

If you only have 2 servers, I'm a big believer in separate backups. Here's why:

2 separate tape drives are cheaper than an autoloader.

If one tape drive dies, you can back both servers up on one drive till you get the broken one fixed.

Hopethat helps.

by jereg

Not knowing your system, my guess is that there is some way to open a port through the DMZ/Firewall to allow backups.

by tbragsda

While I too agree that having only one tape device is a bad plan, putting the devices on production servers has its faults too. What you really need is another box for a admin server, with tape drives attached. This will be more expensive, but if you cannot afford the down time, its worth it.

If you cannot afford the separate server, go with Jeren idea. Its more critical to have backup hardware. Tape drives break often, and not running backups for a couple days while waiting for a replacement cannot be a option.

by gyalch

The server on the DMZ is a Web Server where load is a concern. The Internal Server is unloaded from 10pm-8am. The autoloader isn't that much more then two seperate drives. The only thing I'm not sure of with that option is letting traffic from theDMZ to the Inside LAN. Any thoughts on that would be great. Thanks again.

by wlbowers

Couple of questions.
How are the servers configured now. Single drives, mirrored, raid.
What size drives.

Lee

by koetsier

Your backup server is using higher level protocols to connect to the DMZ. Not IP. So, if you can allow the rule lan>dmz>any>allow, it will work, otherwise, install a separate backup unit on your dmz too.

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