Advice needed: data server and backup

[ciggwin]

Looking to replace my current data server that is 5 years old. Right now I am thinking either HP or IBM with 5-6 300 GB 10k drives in a RAID5 configuration for storage and 2 146 GB drives in a RAID1 configuration for boot. This is just based off my research, and I've never deployed a server before.

Total storage today: 450 GB
Total users: 50-55
Concurrent users: average 10-20
Budget constraints: $6500 for server, $5000 for backup
Server will hold: general files, user Docs redirect

As far as redundancy I am OK with the RAID5 volume, right? We are a mid sized company and we work primarily off email and phones, therefore I do not believe I need to have an immediate backup that is running 24/7.

This server will only handle data with Previous Versions (maybe a DC role as well) and it will be in folder form - no content management or databases or applications. It will be in my server room where I will have access 24x7 - not in a data center. It will be plugged into my 10/100/1000 network and it will run Windows Server 2008 R2. The clients will be running Windows 7 Professional.

Backup
Currently using Symantec Backup Exec 10d with an LTO2 drive (200/400 GB tapes) to back up the Windows Server 2003 data server, Exchange 2003, and the HR database.

I was thinking of going with Symantec Backup Exec 2010 with an LTO4 drive to back up the new data server. Folks have mentioned some Linux based stuff before but I am not comfortable with that and I have always used Backup Exec - therefore I am comfortable with it and unless there is another Windows-based backup solution I am not sure what else to use.

The new backup system will not be backing up Exchange because I am 99% sure we are going to go hosted for mail.

I've never deployed a new data server or a backup solution and I've had folks tell me that tape backup is a way of the past and that I should be looking at other options like disk backup. I've ruled out online backup because of the recurring cost, speed, and the fact that the data I need to back up is extremely simple to throw on a tape.

Technically I could stick with the current backup drive and tapes and just buy new Backup Exec software that will run on Windows Server 2008 R2 (Backup Exec 10d not supported) - the tape drive and tapes would hold the data, I would just have to do a tape swap. It's not ideal, but it is a money saver. That LTO2 is so damn slow I would love to replace it.

I would love your thoughts/opinions - if I have left anything out please ask away. Thanks!

 

[Blue Fox]

Why not give HP, IBM, and Dell a ring and let them tell you what they can offer within those budgets? They'll be more than glad to help you out if it gives them a shot at some of your money (and don't be afraid to start a bidding war as they'll all be willing to shave off some of the listed price if it means your business).

 

[ciggwin]

Why not give HP, IBM, and Dell a ring and let them tell you what they can offer within those budgets? They'll be more than glad to help you out if it gives them a shot at some of your money (and don't be afraid to start a bidding war as they'll all be willing to shave off some of the listed price if it means your business).

I plan to do something of that sort, but first I need help making sure I am looking at the right equipment for what my needs are.

 

[Blue Fox]

I plan to do something of that sort, but first I need help making sure I am looking at the right equipment for what my needs are.

They should be able to help you with that too. Not trying to be unhelpful, but they really will jump through hoops to get your money. You seem to be on the right track though.

 

[haileris]

Two terms that your business should define for you - Recovery Point Objective and Recovery Time Objective. First is the recovery point for the data, essentially how much data the business can afford to lose from a timeline perspective and RTO how long it will take you to get their data back.

Ideally, you will be creating a storage design and backup design that meets these requirements. So if you only have one server and a software component fails how long do you have to fix it? If a hardware component fails how long until that is fixed? In other words, make sure all your support is appropriate for the bueinss requirements.

If you don't have 24x7 support I would put a hot spare in your RAID5 array. If its just data and speed doesnt matter too much a RAID-6 array would be a better choice imho.

Tape based solutions are pretty quick now - personally I don't think they are a thing of the past at the moment. Its nice to be able to send them offsite for example .

As BlueFox said, pretty sure vendors will be able to sell you something joined up!