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New backup technology?!?!

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by curtisinterruptus

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I am attempting to get a budget approved for purchasing my first networkable autoloading tape system. However, I can make little sense of all the manufacturers and technologies; DLT, SDLT, ATL, VXA, LTO, AIT!!! Help! I have 3 servers and the biggest raid size is 70 gig. I am a one man shop and would like to extricate myself from daily switching of tapes. What technology/brands should I consider?

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by bowshbw

I am not an expert but have been researching nearly the same scenario (I don't need the auto-loader). I am told that for the size you mention, AIT-2 is preferred but VXA-2 is also very good. Similar technology but I believe AIT-2 tapes are cheaper. Both offer Auto-loader capabilities. Once you go above 100Gig, then you begin to consider LTO. So consider how fast you expect the storage to grow. On average tape systems go 3 to 5 years (probably closer to 3 from my experience) so this isn't a permanent decision. I am told that the Sony auto-loaders will very likely let you move to AIT-3 when that technology becomes available. So, even if you go beyond 100Gig, in 3 years, AIT-3 should be available to preserve your auto-loader investment. You will certainly want to check that assumption with your vendor (CDW for instance). Hope that helps.
I have been researching the difference between the VXA-2 and the AIT-2 but haven't had much luck finding a comparing review. Let me know if you have better luck.

by ritch111

Tapes can be a pain in the you know what. Since the amount of data you need to backup is minimal, I would backup to disk. Attach a DAS to your backup(veritas, Legato, Ca) server and let all your data backup to it, You can go weeks for a fairly inexpensive solution that won't require tape. You could also then hookup a tape device to that server as well to backup the disk info for archiving.

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