NetBackup Deduplication with SAN Client?

[Broccoli]

Hello Guy!

I have to design new backup server with deduplication.

I hold a few license of Netbackup 7.5 Enterprise Server, Enterprise/Standard Client and etc.. and previously have backupped to disk without deduplication which server will be discarded.

Now I want to make new Master Server that has external SAS disk array(900GB x 10EA) activating deduplication storage pool, and utilize exsiting FC-SAN switch infra to backup from client server. of course, all of the client has FC-HBA.

At first I thought that I just need to add Deduplication Option to Master and then make large internal deduplication storgae pool that can backup via FC.

So I contacted nearby reseller to consult this issue, but they said "deduplication backup with FC directly from clients to one master server is impossible. because It should comply with symantec VTL H/W, therefore only possible in NetBackup Appliance".

In short, They recommended me to throw away exsting all the current license, and purchase expensive NetBackup Appliance. Or all the client should FC-zoning that is very complicated.

reseller's advice is right?

Is there anyway to backup clients directly to master(x86 server) with FC?

Please give me your valuable opinion.

Thank you.

# added comment : All OS environment is Windows Server..

[RiaanBadenhorst · Accepted solution]

Hi,

FT Transport is only supported on Solaris SPARC, Redhat Enterprise Linux, and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server.

http://www.symantec.com/docs/HOWTO35908

Also, only certain Fibre Channel HBAs are supported. See the HCL

http://www.symantec.com/docs/TECH76495

Considerations when building MSDP (Performance)

http://www.symantec.com/docs/HOWTO72940

[RiaanBadenhorst]

Not possible on Windows.

[Nicolai]

And that probably why they call on appliances because they run on Linux.

[Broccoli]

Thanks you for many replies.

If I just configure Linux Server, is it simply possible to directly backup Clients to Media Server running FT services without any complicate SAN zoning for client?

Here are simple picture I hope to do

[RiaanBadenhorst]

You should zone one initiator per client to the target ports on the FT media server. So you'll have 1 zone for each SAN client.

SAN Client Best Practice guide

http://www.symantec.com/docs/HOWTO56052

[Nicolai]

 for the drawing.

[Marianne]

Please be aware that you will need a model C or D appliance with the additional FC ports to be configured in target mode for Fibre Transport.

Have a look at this TN (with diagrams): http://www.symantec.com/docs/HOWTO94091