New SQL backup option?

[Mich]

I've got a system that needs to be backed up every 5 minutes. The vendor's database structure does not allow me to replicate. SQL Standard is installed so I cannot log ship and there is no upgrade path to SQL Enterprise.

The vendor suggested I back up my LDF normally each night then back it up incrementally every 5 minutes. If the db fails I can restore from my LDF. They say this works.

How would this work? How can I take a MDF from last night, a LDF from 10 minutes ago, and apply the transactions since the last MDF backup? I don't follow this. Can some please explain? Would it work if I backed up both files incrementally?

Thanks in advance.

-If it ain't broke, break it and make it better.

 

[SQLBill]

It won't work. First, you can't backup the .mdf or .ldf when the database is online. Second, you can't backup the .ldf and then do incremental backups of the file and expect to restore them. The vendor doesn't know what they are talking about.

(that's my opinion)

You could always have them prove it. Have them do the backups and then restore to another server or another instance.

-SQLBill

Posting advice: FAQ481-4875

 

[mrdenny]

I think they are trying to tell you how to write your own log shipping since you can't use Microsofts.

Here's an FAQ on how to do it faq962-5754.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000) / MCTS (SQL 2005)

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

http://www.mrdenny.com