Backup solution recommendations

[Mike Ruskai]

I've been skating by for a while now backing up only important data, since my
backup device options (DVD and DDS-3/4 tape) are paltry compared to the size
of my data (on the order of 2TB).

The options I've been considering are a LTO 3 drive, which would run about $2K
with the requisite number of tapes, and external hard drives.

Right now, the thing that's caught my eye is this thing here:

http://www.addonics.com/products/raid_system/ast4.asp

I'd get the option for five 3.5" hard drives connected via a single eSATA
port. That, plus five 1TB drives, would run about $700, which is
significantly less than the tape option.

Anyone know of any better options? The goal is to recycle the storage over a
30 day period, keeping two full backups plus incrementals in between. That
means something around 5TB of storage, for the various machines I want to back
up.

 

[Arno]

I've been skating by for a while now backing up only important data, since my
backup device options (DVD and DDS-3/4 tape) are paltry compared to the size
of my data (on the order of 2TB).

The options I've been considering are a LTO 3 drive, which would run about $2K
with the requisite number of tapes, and external hard drives.

Right now, the thing that's caught my eye is this thing here:

I'd get the option for five 3.5" hard drives connected via a single eSATA
port. That, plus five 1TB drives, would run about $700, which is
significantly less than the tape option.

Anyone know of any better options? The goal is to recycle the
storage over a 30 day period, keeping two full backups plus
incrementals in between. That means something around 5TB of
storage, for the various machines I want to back up.

That would work. However you are giving up backup independence.
If something bad happens to the RAID (hardware, software,
malcode, user error), then you are without backup. One
of the key advantage of tape is that you can make a backup
independent so easily by removing the cartridge. Works
as well with individal HDDs, but they are more sensitive,
harder to carry and harder to monitor.

Arno