[Networker] Adding disk as a backup target

tbiehler wrote:
> Hi,
> 
> We're in the process of replacing our tape library.  While we are doing
> this, we would like to add some sort of disk in front of the physical
> library.  So, if you are writing your backup to disk, I'm interested in
> the details:
> 
> What are you doing?  Can you describe your environment?
> 
> Are you using advanced file type devices or a VTL?  Why?  
> 
> What type of disk are you using?
> 
> If you are using a VTL, which one are you using?  
> 
> What has your experience been (set-up, configuration, speed of backups,
> speed of restores)?  
> 
> What problems have you had (configuration, contention, bottlenecks,
> etc.)?
> 
> Thanks!
> 
> Teresa
> 
> 
> Teresa Biehler
> Information and Technology Services
> Rochester Institute of Technology
> 
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Just got back from vacation, sorry.

- We're using a *lot* of disk (about 64 TB raw, one RAID box, Tier 5 DBO) to 
replace most of our tape as 'first tier' backup.

I've described the environment in detail on the list a few times, but the quick 
summary is:  Sun Sparc server and SN, mostly Solaris clients with some Win 
boxes of all levels (NT 4 to 2003 x64).  Only app module we're using is MS-SQL, 
otherwise just stock filesystem stuff (though a lot of manual backups taking 
place).

- We use adv_file due to VTL not existing at the time we brought the disk 
online (Summer 2004).  Since Solaris 10 or ZFS did not exist either, the disks 
are controlled by Veritas VxVM/VxFS so we can concat many little partitions 
into really large ones (on average 10 TB per mount point).  This makes 
upgrading the OS a nail-biting challenge too, as can be imagined.

- The disk in use today is a StorageTek Flex B280 using SATA disks (basically 
similar to a Sun 6540 - two racks worth of 400 gig disks).  Would like to 
replace this with a 6140 using 1 TB disks at some point, reducing the 
space/heat requirement considerably.

- Setup was pretty good, though tedious (and the setup app has no security, but 
this storage is EOL anyway).  Backup speed is currently constrained by the 
server hardware (poor server is still a Sun E450, but I have a T2000 in the 
same rack, with an upgrade pending).

- Its running good regardless, getting about 45-50 MB/s when streaming to an 
LTO-2 FC drive (both clone and stage).  Everything - including the tape drives 
- are all direct-connect FC.  Currently no issues with contention or 
bottlenecks for the storage itself.  There's nothing to suggest that 
fragmentation has taken place either - including on the mounts I use for 
Incremental backups.

--TSK

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