Server side compression with adv_file device?

[litauer]

Hi,

I am using an adv_file device for my backups, cloning them to tape. As the file device is not as big as it needs to be I want the backup data compressed. I know I could switch to client side compression, but is it possible to compress the data on the server side?

 

[605]

No. This is only done by the hardware, it it is capable to do this. If so, it will be done automatically.

 

[litauer]

OK, then ...
... I switched to client side compression. Regarding the amount of data that is saved on my adv_file, my impression is, that the data is stored uncompressed. So my question is: If I use client side compression, the client sends its data compressed over the network. But is the data stored compressed or uncompressed on the servers devices?

 

[vmlavoie]

I have not verified it using adv_file type devices but when you use client-side compression, the data should be stored compressed on the device. Verify the kind of data you are trying to backup as it may already be compressed or not compressable (e.g. binary files, image files, etc...). Also, when you backup compressed data on tape drive that support compression, the actual data stored will not be compressed further. In fact, it will be slighty bigger because of the compression metadata.

 

[605]

As each save is stored in a a single file, you can easily verify that it will be stored compressed.

You do easier when you use a "normal" file device. For this purpose, there is no difference with respect to an "advanced" file device.