Small office server with nightly backup?

[SwissFluCase]

If you don't mind leaving MSSQL on the desktop, you can back it up with SQL dumps and keep your files on a NAS.

Regards,


SwissFluCase

[Mstrty]

Wow guys thanks for all the input. My MSSQL 2005 desktop is what I am currently using. I have proprietary work flow software that stores as catalogs keywords ect. 10's of thousands of little tiny 10Kb-3mb files in a folder on C: (computer A) and the categorizing is done through MSSQL. Software. From either machine I can access computer A to locate and or create/store files. Files are then sent to machines to preform the work. For 5 years I have has a 250gig external in a Fireproof safe that holds the security dongles and HDD for nightly backups. Its a full size safe has never gotten over 90degrees inside. Dongles are insured I just like keeping them in the safe. USB cable and power for HDD run in through the back.

Backups have been preformed by backup genie. The BU software has preformed well. I like this sort of backup cause I can pull a single file without mounting an image re ghosting a drive back for one single file that might have just gotten overwritten. If anyone wants to recommend a better BU software that doesn't encrypt the data or store it in one big image file let me know. Im only Backing up current data (maybe 6mo.) as we create about 5-10 gigs a month.
The Archived Is kept by simply buying a new HDD every year. Computer A has yet to loose any data. I have had no trouble restoring computer A every couple of years due to reinstalling OS or crash. Simply reinstall everything then restore archive data to Computer A followed by restoring nightly BU from safe. 20 hours later all is well. OK Here is where I see the future taking me.

I need to add 2 more workstations 1 for Sales counter in a retail store and a second one in production area. All networked and sharing most everything. They will all need to access MSSQL either on desktop Computer A or from a dedicated server that I have yet to own. They will need to bring up work orders and or create work orders Via Proprietary software that used MSSQL.
As far as Internet I just have DSL 3MBdown 756up. All of this equipment will be located at a single location. I dont want to buy more than I need. I will upgrade again when I out grow a new system.

You all have given me lots to think about. I will be doing some of your suggestions soon.

[Vectrexer]

Get yourself a ReadyNAS Pro. (http://www.readynas.com/)

Then setup a backup to either a locally connected hard disk, or a remote site.

It's a great box in either desktop or rackmount forms.

Excellent support.
No Windows OS issues.
Can have either a lot or a little security.
Expandable and resizable RAID. Want more space? Just put in a larger disk(s) and migrate upward.
Compatible with Macs.
Supports ISCSI
Dual 1GB LAN.
Fast write and read.
Can notify you of problems.
Easy to setup.

.

[artherd]

What are you running for your offsite backup?

--B

Mix of R1soft and custom stuff for the actual 'backup' however a fair amount lives in what amounts to a cloud in basically an active-active state.

[chiefcrash]

I think the OP mention that he wants to backup digitize artwork files, RAID 0 or 3 will help data transfer much faster than non-RAID drives when it comes to artwork. Secondly, OP can you tell us what's the data size transfer you expect per evening and on the weekly scale? You mention MSSQL, did you want to backup MSSQL data files as well?

Yes, RAID will help with data transfer rates and many other wonderful things. I'm not saying anything bad about RAID. I'm just saying it's not a backup solution (it isn't) and relying on any sort of RAID as a backup solution usually ends in tears (I've seen it).

[RickD6023]

You might want to look at some of the mid range servers on the dell website. You'll want something with a RAID and possibly with a tape backup. I would suggest backing up to tape nightly then storing the tape at an off site location (safety depoit box). If nightly is too often, then backup to tape weekly and make sure that you rotate tapes to maintain at least two previous backups.

I agree with selecting a Dell (from their Outlet site) with a RAID but I would suggest an off site service such as DataHealth. I've been using them for the last year and I'm very pleased with the service.

[ldivinag]

btw GHOST users, there is a small program called GHOST EXPLORER that mounts the GHO file(s) and shows it in like a explorer window.

you can then extract singles files if needed.

its part of GHOST itelf. you just need to look for it.

[ldivinag]

another option is bluray discs.

the dual sided ones will go up to 50 gigs, IIRC...

[JDay]

This should be perfect for you. It comes with Windows Home Server installed (modified version of Server 2003 Small Business Server). Once you plug it in and setup the client on your main system it will do automatic backups. You can setup the client on more than one system too so you can have it backup laptops and other desktops if you need to. Has drive expansion bays so you can add more storage as needed. Starting at $599. There's also the LX series which start at $399

http://www.hp.com/united-states/campaigns/mediasmart-server/#/EXSeries/

[JDay]

I think the OP mention that he wants to backup digitize artwork files, RAID 0 or 3 will help data transfer much faster than non-RAID drives when it comes to artwork.

Wont make a difference really, 10/100 is slower than the drives and with gigE it'll buffer into ram while the disk is writing.

[Sinixstar]

I was going to recommend small business server - but it seems others beat me to the punch. Absolutely the easiest way to go for what you're looking to do.

Best bet would be to hire out an IT firm to get ahold of the hardware, licensing, and set it all up for you. If it's done right - it should only take about a day of work total - with maybe 3 hours on location to set up. If you invest in decent hardware - you can run your SQL Server on your SBS box to get started. MSSQL can run directly on the SBS machine (in fact it's better if it does if you want to use things like sharepoint) without a problem.

best part is - as your business grows - you can scale out services and applications to new servers within the domain as needed, while still remaining under the umbrella of the SBS Domain Controller.

In otherwords - SBS is the way to go, by far.

[IsaacGlass]

Wont make a difference really, 10/100 is slower than the drives and with gigE it'll buffer into ram while the disk is writing.

My question was based on OP digital artwork file sizes, notice how I didnt follow up after OP announce art size. Most other people suggestions on this thread is more than suitable for his backup needs at that rate.

[SAN compnerd]

You may also want to talk to someone who can help you understand the cost of an outage to your business and how many hours/days you tolerate with this system down. This can be a useful exercise in determining how much to budget for your disaster recovery plan and justifying that cost. Additionally, this would help with making the actual recovery plan and give you some expectations for the money you invest. I too would recommend an online backup as long as the cost is not prohibitive. It removes the need to store data offsite somewhere like a safe deposit box. A small Dell server with MS Small Business Server (SBS) would probably be your cheapest option and SBS has a good price considering it includes SQL which is usually VERY expensive. The drive configuration should be RAID 1 unless you have the extra dough to shell out for more than two drives. RAID 1 gives you redundancy to survive a single drive failure (RAID 0 does not) and as long as you keep an eye on the server (monitoring) you should be able to spot a failed drive and replace it before the functioning drive fails and you have to go to backup. A small server like this should vastly outperform the desktops you are currently using in this role.