Matti Harvala wrote:
>
> Does anyone have any experiences of AXXiON-NetBackup from Open Vision.
>
> Is there any comparison made between ADSM and AXXiON-NetBackup ??
>
> What are the main differencies... etc...
>
>   Best Regards,
>   Matti Harvala
>   Unix System Manager
>
> ===========================================================
> Matti Harvala       *  Phone:  +358 (0)10 505 2254
> Nokia Mobile Phones *  Fax:    +358 (0)10 505 2899
> P.O. Box 86         *  Mobile: +358 (9)40 556 5931
> 24101 SALO FINLAND  *  E-mail: matti.harvala AT nmp.nokia DOT com
> ===========================================================Hello,

I am using both ADSM and NetBackup.  We are switching to NetBackup for the 
following
reasons:

  1)  ADSM can not multiplex to tape devices.  ADSM can simultaneously write 
backup
operations to disk, but tape transfers are single threaded.  Therefore, it is 
highly
unlikely ADSM can keep fast tape devices "3590, DLT-7000, STK 
Timberline/Redwood"
busy with a single I/O stream.  NetBackup supports writing multiple I/O streams 
to a
single tape device concurrently.  This allows for a few, very fast tapes 
devices to
be used, instead of many slow devices - less robotics needed.

  2)  ADSM does not support distributed tape devices.  ADSM is built upon the 
central
server methodology - all backup traffic is sent to one host.  Central server
technology is great if you have sufficient bandwidth to your central server or 
have
a small amount of data to backup, but in our case, we do not.  Additionally, we 
have
several servers with large Oracle data bases (150+ GB).  It does not make sense 
to
send this amount of data across the network.  NetBackup allows tape devices to
located throughout the enterprise.  This allows I/O traffic to be distributed 
where
needed.  For example, on our large data base servers, we attached dedicated tape
drives to isolate I/O to the one server and to improve performance.  Even 
though I/O
is distributed, management of the backup process is still centralized.  This 
reliance
on sending data to a central machine greatly limits ADSM's performance in shops 
with
large data storage.

  3)  NetBackup supports a variety of hardware and robotic devices - ADSM has 
made
improvements in this area, but is still behind.

  4)  NetBackup has a good interface to Oracle using Oracle's Enterprise Backup
Utility.  I am not sure where IBM stands on interfacing with OEBU - Oracle's
recommended backup strategy.

ADSM is a good backup product that is maturing quickly.  In my opinion, it is 
better
suited for workstation type environments.  ADSM is not suited for environments
with large (data) servers.  NetBackup has a very good product with some 
limitations.
I have been impressed with their willingness to listen to my needs and to
modify the product to meet our specific needs.

To pick the right product you must deermine your specific needs, assign an 
importance
value to each requirement, and compare the leading products using the 
requirements
list.  I am willing to discuss this subject further or to provide my own 
experiences
with you on both products (E-Mail or Phone).


James Gibson
Yellow Technology Services
913-344-3457