Using NetBackup Appliance 5230 with Quest Netvault Software

Hi Penchy,

This query really belongs in the NetBackup Appliances forum (one of the moderators will probably move it for you).  If you want a definitive answer, then your best bet would be to raise a case with Veritas support so that you have an answer direct from the manufacturer.

The NetBackup appliances are a custom built device running RHEL (earlier versions were SLES), on top of which is installed NetBackup.  That is their sole purpose - to run NetBackup.  The appliances are hardened, so even if you wanted to remove NetBackup from them I would suggest that would be impossible, or very difficult (and also void any warranty).

Your biggest issue would be that would be an unsupported configuration.  Even if you were able to just use the storage shelves (ie: not the head unit which contains the OS and NetBackup) as storage for a new backup product, you might get away with that, but once again I would say this is an unsupported configuration.  I know for a fact if you try and add non-Veritas storage shelves to an appliance, that is also totally unsupported.

Even if you could do what you are investigating, you would still be expected to pay maintenance and support to Veritas for the appliance (which includes not only hardware, but also your NetBackup licensing).  On top of that you would also be paying maintenance and support to the new product vendor as well, so there would be a cost increase not a saving.

Hope this helps,

Steve