alternates to tape backup

frost

I'm doing IT support for a small/medium sized business (dozen PCs, older SBS2000 server). Currently backing up using Sony AIT drive with 50 gig tapes.

Generally work ok but backups don't always run correctly, haven't been able to pin down why. Also, if backup runs to 2 tapes, seems to depend on the phase of the moon whether the 2nd tape works or not.

Other issue is that restoring single files is a bit awkward. Also if a disaster recover had to be done, it would be nice if whatever media we had offsite was readily usable without specialised equipment (like an identical tape drive), though that's not critical.

They *could* upgrade this drive to a higher capacity one. Path of least resistance and all that.

What other options might be reasonable? Normal external HDs are cheap & easy to use, tho a bit cumbersome to carry home each day. And what about ZIP or other high capacity cartridges, or removable drives?

Thanks for ideas/comments

Milkman

we got rid of all tape drives and now use external harddrives. Its so much handier, our backups run faster and with no problems.
We have drives for each week per month(mon-thurs), end of week(fri) and end of month.


M.

astrofool

If you're backing up ~50gb then external hard drives would definitely be the way forward, and relatively cheap. If size is a problem, then grab some 100-120gb laptop drive like here: Western Digital WDXML1200UE Passport 2.5" 120GB Portable Drive (HD-077-WD) http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/Western_Digital_External.html

In a couple years time, then eSATA would probably be the cheapest/fastest way to do it, but it's just a bit too early for it yet.

Very easy to just buy a few new ones as larger capacity is needed as well, is your data size growing faster than that of hard drive capacity?

frost

Thanks, Milkman & Astrofool.
I like the tiny external HDs - didn't know they came so small.
Will follow this up with client after I learn a bit more about them.

Milkman

no worries.
good luck. Remember to offsite the drives not in use!

aFlabbyPanda

we just switched to Iomega REV drives. Not the cheapest but about the fastest thing we could find. Cut our backup times from 6 hours to under an hour to an hour and a half.

mneylon

What about offsite backup?