Topic: Tape backup questions

[runemaste]

Hey guys,

I'm about to set up SME Server as a small business's server solution. However, before I do, I have a few questions with regard to the tape backup system.

When the tape drives are rated (at least the Ultrium ones from HP), they are given a capacity assuming a 2:1 compression ratio. Is this ratio applicable for SME server as well? If not, what sort can I expect? Also, will it send an email on the successful completion of the backup, as well as failure?

Thanks,
Brendan

[CharlieBrady]

When the tape drives are rated (at least the Ultrium ones from HP), they are given a capacity assuming a 2:1 compression ratio. Is this ratio applicable for SME server as well?

The ratio is all about the content of the data, and not the server software in use. Some files are compressible, some are not. e.g. image and video is already compressed.

[runemaste]

The ratio is all about the content of the data, and not the server software in use. Some files are compressible, some are not. e.g. image and video is already compressed.

So what sort of compression ratio would I be seeing on average? Im hopefully going to set up a tape backup system in the server (obviously) and I dont want to get a tape drive too large (because it will cost too much) or too small, for obvious reasons. Or is there another way you guys would recommend to backup the server data (that I can schedule so they can do it without them having admin rights - they are all end users after all and I'm not in the building every day).

[CharlieBrady]

So what sort of compression ratio would I be seeing on average?

That depends on your data. [Did I not state that before?]