Hi there,
There are a couple of tests you can perform:
1. Run a large backup to tape, and check what the speed of the backup is during the backup, and after.
2. Create a B2D folder, and run the same backup to disk. There is also a B2D test utility you can download here:
http://seer.entsupport.symantec.com/docs/327088.htm This is the 32-bit version, but there is also a 64-bit version available!
3. Copy a large number of small files from, and to that server and see what transfer speeds you are getting. Once done, copy a very large file too and from that server. This will eliminate the network as being the source of the bottleneck.
Furthermore, I'd take not of the following:
1. Type of drive being used (LTO2, LTO3). This will allow you to work out how the speed relates to a theoretical maximum throughput the device is capable of.
2. Firmware revision of the drive...if it's out of date, there might be a newer firmware revision that addresses a speed issue.
3. Version of Backup Exec, and the patch level...as per the above, a patch might be needed which addresses certain issues, which could have hampered the speed of the backups.
4. Whether or not they are using the Symantec device drivers, or manufacturer drivers. Symantec recommends using their drivers.
Furthermore, you can read up on these 2 technical articles which will give you a bit more insight. There will be a time during troubleshooting where you are not able to get any further speed out of the drives at all.
http://seer.entsupport.symantec.com/docs/285756.htm
http://seer.entsupport.symantec.com/docs/231488.htm
If this is a sudden issue, it could be a problem, so check the Event Viewer for hardware and software issues. If they have always had it, it could relate to the size of the backups, speed of the network, whether or not their switch ports and server NICs are hard-coded to the fastest speed possible.
Laters!
