Confused by all the different Backup Exec packages...

[IanGlinka]

We are currently using NT Backup where I work, and I am having a nightmare of a time getting the job scheduler to work correctly. I keep running into these problems with media name, plus the fact that this thing won't backup files that are open is a drag, and I'm not a huge fan of their logging, and....

[time passes]

...I need to get Backup Exec. I've heard it's the standard for backups, and everyone rants and raves about it, but I find myself more and more confused every time I go to check out my options. Right off the bat, there is version 8.6 or version 9.0. The guy in charge of the books (as the IS department does not have a budget here) is frugal, to say the least. The fact that I've seen Backup Exec 8.6 out there for around $130, and the fact that 9.0 doesn't seem to sell for less than $500 would make 9.0 a tough sell.

Then there are all the other things I'm seeing: "SQL Option" "Open-File Option" "Exchange Option" etc...

It looks to me like this the kind of thing you find when going to a car dealership. They throw the big sticker price at you that says "$10,000" but then the dealer says "oh... oh you wanted air conditioning? and... and a stereo? oh, well that's gonna cost you"

So, could someone here take a few minutes and straighten me out... I'm sure there are others that are just as confused as I am.

Thanks!
Ian

 

[cybersaur]

we are currently running veritas 8.6
despite all of its idiosyncracies veritas is the best out there. i've read good things about 9.0.
go ahead and get 9.0.
in addition to the basic software package you'll need additional licenses for the various servers you plan to backup:

remote agent license - for each remote server

exchange license - for exchange server

open file option - for open files. only necessary if veritas backup fails because of open files (its pretty good about backing up many open files without failing. you may or may not have need of this license. wait and see.)

don't bother with SQL licenses. (use native SQL backup. we don't like veritas for SQL backup, do we? no we don't...)

hope that helps

trent
network admin

 

[Davix]

Backup Exec is really a great program but it can be costly. If you are on a budget but need good functionality try Novastor. I currently run both Veritas and Novastor (2 networks with different cost issues). It runs well (backup problems have not been software related. id10T errors, yes) and easy to learn, even for novices. You can actually call these people and ask what you should get without getting 20 calls back asking, 'you gonna buy yet?', 'you gonna buy yet?', 'you gonna buy yet?', 'just called to find out if you gonna buy yet?'

Here is the link:

http://novastor.com/

 

[Fuubar]

Last guy was right about SQL. Do SQL backups through Enterprise Manager. Then backup the dumps up to tape. As for open files, there really isn't any open file software out there that nails it every time. You can experience a lot of headaches and errors using open file options.

Tell users to get out of Word, Excel, Outlook before they leave and enforce it. That will save you a lot of money on broken open file software or options and headaches from failed open file option backups.

Next, stay away from 9.0. Too early in the release to go to that version now. Wait till they get some more revisions of 9.0 out before you go that route. Stick with 8.6 as they have eliminated a lot of errors and bugs, not to mention they have workarounds for existing problems. Sounds like you have a limited budget anyway. It would be wise of you to go with 8.6.

Good luck and take care.