what is the better way to do this?

[SvenKopitz]

Hello everyone!
I hope that I'll get good here - I very need answer for the next question:
What is the best way to optimize backup and data transfer between 37 computers. We're using windows, we have shared storage for 30TB and low budget.
Thank you!

[CraigV]

Mmm...
2 ways I'd do this:

1. Assuming you have a server, redirect everybody's Documents and Settings to a folder on the server. Using the correct permissions on a folder level, you can assign a specific user access to their data and nobody else's.
2. Load up Backup Exec 12.5 on that server, and create a backup schedule which will either use a Backup-to-Disk option (30TB means you can keep a number of days-worth of backups depending on the size!), or to a tape drive/autoloader.
3. You can also use that 30TB of space as a B2D staging area before pushing onto tape.

OR...

1. Load up BEWS 12.5 on your server, and license the DLO option (Desktop and Laptop Option). This will allow you to backup a user's PC directly to the server (and I would only bother with their files etc., not the entire PC) or ge them to do this.
2. You would then use the 30TB of space and carve out folder limits/user accounts etc.

Option 1 is easier to manage after setting up as it's only 1 location you need to work with; Option 2 might be easier to allow the users to backup their data themselves, but cost here might be a factor.

Laters!

[VarunVerma]

This isn't specific to what you are looking for; however you might find this useful:

Best practices for Backup Exec 12 backup (http://seer.entsupport.symantec.com/docs/298301.htm

Backup Exec 11d Best Practices Guide: Backup Strategies (http://seer.entsupport.symantec.com/docs/285733.htm

Best practices for Backup Exec 12.5 SAN Shared Storage Option
http://seer.entsupport.symantec.com/docs/311700.htm

Best practices for the SAN Shared Storage Option
http://seer.entsupport.symantec.com/docs/300207.htm

Regards
 

[SvenKopitz]

Thanks. But I would preffer some bundle solution, if you know what I mean.

[teiva-boy]

 Are the 37 computers, workstations or servers?

For workstations you want the DLO option of Backup Exec.  It comes in 10 packs, and sells for around $250 MSRP.  Your reseller can get to you cheaper as Symantec does not sell direct.

For servers, you will want the remote agent for windows.  It's a bit more expensive, but really, how much is your data worth to your business?

[CraigV]

Hi Sven,

As I said:

1. License for running Backup Exec for Windows as a media server. This will have the 30TB of disk space assigned to it (as per your vendor's standards...HP will only present 2TB of disk space at a time for example), ready for backups.
2. a DLO license for each computer that needs to be backed up, assuming they're not servers. Configure this, and allow the users to do either scheduled backups, or their own manual backups to disk space assigned to them.

Hope this helps!

[SvenKopitz]

the servers are only 3 PCs.
And data transfer optimization? I mean want to not everybody had access right to any information. And some PCs will be outside of the home network, so I need to be sure in connection security, and please don't forget about "bundle"
Thank you for your responses for now.

[CraigV]

Hi Sven,

There is no bundle...you'd buy BEWS as a media server, license it with what it needs, and then buy a pack of DLO licenses. However, BEWS ships with 5 free licenses for DLO, so that already is a bundle in itself.
You're able to optimize the speed of the connection so you won't flood your network/connection, and set connectivity types too.
It will only backup changes made which is great as well.

Cheers!