Backup on tape autoloader

[markus]

Hi,

I want to setup a combined NAS/SAN server using DSS, and I need a reliable backup and archiving solution for it.

Currenctly I'm planning this scenario: add a SCSI controller to the DSS server, connect a tape autoloader (e. g. Quantum SuperLoader), create some backup jobs. As far as I understand the manuals, I could directly backup NAS shares, and for iSCSI I could create snapshots and backup the snapshots directly to tape.

Now I have two questions:

(1) The manual isn't very detailed on the built-in tape functionality. It says that autoloaders are supported, but how exactly? Can I create several backup jobs and let the DSS software "talk" to the autoloader to rewind, unload the current tape, load the next tape etc.?

(2) Is this scenario recommended anyway?

I know I could add a remote-site server and use replication, but for archiving (having independent copies several weeks back) and storing in a data-safe it looks like there is still no reasonable alternative to tapes.

[To-M]

At this time there we do not have the ability to backup iSCSI volumes in future releases we will implement this. The only way to backup the iSCSI volumes is to create a NAS share then copy back from the iSCSI volume to the NAS share then use the backup function to backup the NAS share directly to tape.

Concerning the manual on the backup procedures with your tape autoloader we will provide an update to this with better details as this feature will be more advanced. So please wait until the next release 1.40.

Please wait for 1.40 and yes your solution will work.

[markus]

Thank you very much for your quick reply!

The only way to backup the iSCSI volumes is to create a NAS share then copy back from the iSCSI volume to the NAS share then use the backup function to backup the NAS share directly to tape.

Okay, but the copy from the iSCSI area to the NAS area - can it be done internally by DSS or does still the host computer need to do this (e. g. running a image backup tool like I would do with a local drive too)?

Concerning the manual on the backup procedures with your tape autoloader we will provide an update to this with better details as this feature will be more advanced. So please wait until the next release 1.40.

Please wait for 1.40 and yes your solution will work.

When is 1.40 expected to be released, and will it be available as a free update?

Thank you!

[To-M]

1.40 is expected to be released in December time frame (not set as we may add additional fixes) and all updates are free.

[markus]

great, because I would like to order the system now, and need it in production early in January.

[Drew99]

Does DSS support Overland ARCvault 24 autoloader with FC option? (I cann't find them in hardware compatibility list)

[To-M]

Yes we support the Overland ARCvault 24 autoloader also we have FC support but this autoloader uses Ultra320 SCSI for the interface.

[Drew99]

Yes we support the Overland ARCvault 24 autoloader also we have FC support but this autoloader uses Ultra320 SCSI for the interface.

Does it mean what DSS support tape libraries/autoloaders with FC interface except ARCvault 24? (this loader have own FC option - http://www.overlandstorage.com/UK/pr...rcvault24.html )