What's the structure of this database?  A few large files, or lots of
small files in a folder structure?  Also, judging by the transfer speed
you quoted, I'm guessing you're running LTO1 drives?

If the db is lots of small files, then backing up to disk first would
be faster.  If it's only a few large files, newer tape drives will
nearly match the speed of disk.  Also, restore speed will not
necessarily be faster from one collocated tape.  It could very well end
up being faster spread across a couple tapes if you have multiple tape
drives, and can do a multi-session restore.
If the drives are LTO1 as it sounds, then going to LTO2 would also
solve the speed problem.  That, however, could also increase the
management burden, as you'd probably have to setup a separate stgpool
for the newer tapes.

Troy Frank
Network Services
University of Wisconsin Medical Foundation
608.829.5384

>>> Bill_Rosette AT PAPAJOHNS DOT COM 11/8/2004 9:39:02 AM >>>
Hello TSM guru's

I have a backup that is 224 GB database and is growing. It is a cold
(brings down db) backup that lasts 4 hours due to collocation and
running
straight to tape, we have a multitude of issues why we cannot run a
hot
(keep db up) backup on this particular one. Still giving us 56 GB an
hour
not bad. We run on a 3494 tape library hooked by SCSI straight to the
AIX
SP frame where the TSM server is. My problem is that as it grows it
seems
to be creeping close to the kill backup window from 01:00 am to 05:10
(kill
backup time is 05:45). I only have 300 GB of disk being used by the
other
100+ backups, 700 GB's worth. Here are the options I gave my
superiors.

It is currently running at 55.945 GB per hour going to tape (1 tape
drive
(collocate)), pretty good for tape drive speed.
Disk would make the backup run faster with multi-streams.
Cannot go to multi-tapes due to slow recovery.
Other option would be to break the backup into 2 separate backups
running
simultaneously, probably nightmare admistrativewise.


I said I would ask y'all if I have any other options.

Please help, if anybody can. I thank y'all in advance.

Thank You,
Bill Rosette
Data Center/IS/Papa Johns International
WWJD
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