From: ADSM: Dist Stor Manager [mailto:ADSM-L AT VM.MARIST DOT EDU] On Behalf Of
Dan Foster
> Not every site is lucky enough to be able to convince the beancounters
> the merits of having a backup system that keeps up with the needs of
> the end users, even if it means one has to explain doomsday predictions
> on the business bottom line -- they invariably hear that then say "Oh,
> pshaw, you're just exaggerating because you want money...". It sucks
> to be the one that's right ;) And the ones who warns well before a
> nasty event occurs may also be the first one to be fired out of spite
> after something happens and gets the blame for not having prevented it.

There is only one thing that will convince the beancounters that backup
resources must be kept to adequate levels:

        one bad day

Put your objections in email, send that email to those who matter, and
*keep* *a* *copy*. Gently (but regularly) remind the powers-that-be that
your backup resources are inadequate.

In the meantime, aggressively filter what is being backed up. An
increasingly large amount of data is going to files with extensions like
.nrg, .wmf, .mp3, .rm, and .gho (my current unfavorite). Don't back 'em up.

--
Mark Stapleton (stapleton AT berbee DOT com)
Mark Stapleton (stapleton AT berbee DOT com)
Certified TSM consultant
Certified AIX system engineer
MSCE