Short backup windows - not backup EV indexes

[mjscreen1]

Hello,

we are running short of backup window time -

Is it a legitimate option to NOT backup the indexes -...?    on the assumption that..

in a restore scenario -  the Indexes can be recreated as long as the sql databases and the archive data is present
 

I see in

-http://www.symantec.com/business/support/index?page=content&id=HOWTO54579&key=15143&actp=LIST#v19062...
.."Symantec recommends that you run the Enterprise Vault tools to verify the consistency of Enterprise Vault indexes and database. If an inconsistency exists in Enterprise Vault Indexes rebuild them. ..."

So does it follow - that the backing up of indexes could be dropped from the daily scedule - Does this mean the indexes will take a while to be recreated adding to the period before the system is backup ?

thank you

[TonySterling · Accepted solution]

Yes, you are correct that as long as you have the SQL DB and Vault Store Partitions the indexes will be rebuilt.  You need to take in consideration the time you can be without the ability to search.

You could not back the indexes up daily but still do them weekly, that way in the event of a disaster you would only have to rebuild a weeks worth at most.

Again, it is going to come down to your requirements, are you under any sort of compliance or do you need to do legal searches?  Are you under a SLA with any internal company departments like legal or compliance?  Those questions need to come into consideration.

[Mohawk_Marvin]

Theoretically this is true you could just rebuild your indexes. However it is a terrible idea.

A better idea is to create new partitions, reduce the amount of backend data you back up nightly. If for example you can back up 100g a night in your window, once a partition hits 90gb create a new partition. In later versions of EV you can get it to do this for you. That way you can back up "active" data daily and the more static data weekly/monthly.

Also consider using collections on your Partitions to cab up the DVS files to make bigger files instead of lots of small files.

Lastly, please do keep backing up the indexes, it will cause a much bigger headache if they get blown away by mistake.

[TonySterling]

Agreed with Mohawk Marvin and forgot to post above.  Consider managing your Index Locations size and Vault Store location size before just not backing up daily.

If necessary, get some professional help from a consultant.  They could re-architect your environment to optimize it for now and also moving forward give you an action plan so you don't end up back in a mess 6 months from now.

[MarkBarefoot]

All good advice from Tony and Mohawk above. There are many ways to achieve what you are trying to do, and I would do what Tony suggested and speak with a consultancy. It may cost a few $ but a properly architected solution will save you time in the future if you ever need it.