Which Backup Exec version + optional features to use?

[OverWorked]

I need a backup system to backup Windows DC's and SQL server. There are three servers with these basic roles:-

 

serv1: Server 2003, DC, MS SQL Server, file & print

serv2: Server 2003, file & print

serv3: Server 2003, DC, file & print.

 

I'd like Symantec Backup Exec 11d, but there are loads of options to choose from.

 

Can anyone tell me which options I need?

 

Do I need to buy a license of the full product for each server and install it one each, or can I just buy one copy and install agents on the others? (i.e. can one BE installation backup other servers?).

 

I've used BE 8.6 up until now, I've installed the full product on each server. I've got a feeling this isn't the best way to do it.

 

Thanks.

[Ric_]

I know you say that you would like Backup Exec, but I wondered if you had taken a look at Retrospect? I use the multi-server license version with SQL and Exchange agents. The license allows me to use it on all my servers and I can also use the Retrospect Client on ANY of my client machines to backup locally stored data too.

 

After seeing me using it, Dos_Box went and bought a single server version just to backup his Exchange box so it can't just be me that like it... although he uses the 'proactive backup' regime.

 

The other great thing about Retrospect is the fact it costs a fraction of the price of Veritas.

[OverWorked]

Thanks, Ric.

 

I'll look into it.

 

I wanted BE because our SICTS recommend it. Although getting them to come up with a specific recommendation isn't easy!

[Ric_]

@Overworked: SICTS?

 

Our LEA recommend Backup Exec too... this is only because they do not know how to use anything else and have no incentive to learn.

[DMcCoy]

I know you say that you would like Backup Exec, but I wondered if you had taken a look at Retrospect? I use the multi-server license version with SQL and Exchange agents. The license allows me to use it on all my servers and I can also use the Retrospect Client on ANY of my client machines to backup locally stored data too.

 

After seeing me using it, Dos_Box went and bought a single server version just to backup his Exchange box so it can't just be me that like it... although he uses the 'proactive backup' regime.

 

The other great thing about Retrospect is the fact it costs a fraction of the price of Veritas.

 

Its cheap because its rubbish - at least on OS X.

 

Don't use retrospect if you want to backup Macs

 

With BRU vs retrospect my backup times were reduced by 75%

 

It also seems to be dead in the water as far as development is concerned - check the register for details. If it works for you then thats fine, just sharing my opinion that it doesn't for me

 

I also hate Arcserve.

 

Yes I am using Backup Exec.

[Ric_]

It also seems to be dead in the water as far as development is concerned - check the register for details. If it works for you then thats fine, just sharing my opinion that it doesn't for me

 

You saying Retrospect development is dead? It was bought by EMC last year and the last update was on 12/02/07.

 

I think that in many respects, backup software is much like anything else where you find what works for you and stick with it.

 

I don't currently have any critical stuff on my Mac server so I cannot comment on its ability to back that up... yet

[DMcCoy]

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/01/18/emc_retrospect_eight/

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/01/23/retrospect_war/

[steve]

I need a backup system to backup Windows DC's and SQL server. There are three servers with these basic roles:-

 

serv1: Server 2003, DC, MS SQL Server, file & print

serv2: Server 2003, file & print

serv3: Server 2003, DC, file & print.

 

Can anyone tell me which options I need?

 

Do I need to buy a license of the full product for each server and install it one each, or can I just buy one copy and install agents on the others? (i.e. can one BE installation backup other servers?).

 

Thanks.

 

From Symantec

 

Licensing Overview

Symantec Backup Exec for Windows Servers is licensed per server. In addition to the core server, Backup Exec offers a complete family of powerful agents and options to help improve application availability, improve back data integrity, and reduce backup windows. These agents and options are also licensed per server, with the exception of the Backup Exec Desktop and Laptop Option, which is licensed based on the number of desktops and/or laptops protected.

 

I read this as, if you have 1 server with the full product on, you will need an agent for each of the other 2 servers and an agent for the SQL server.

 

1x Backup Exec

2x Windows Agents

1x SQL Agent

 

This is how I've licenced Backup Exec 9.

 

Check out the Agent EULA

[mrforgetful]

Retrospect is awful we've had nothing but problems with it since it was puced on us by our SLA people.

 

Anyway, I use ntbackup for everything except the SQL.

For this I use Retrospect 6.5 (don't have the addin for 7) and backup to a disk which is then copied to tape using version 7. But I hate it all the same.

[Ric_]

@mrforgetful: Version 7.5 of Retrospect is much better.

[mrforgetful]

Is it faster?

 

It just always seems so clunky, the way it scans everything three times before letting you restore one little file.

 

I shall take your word for it though

[DMcCoy]

I gave up on the Mac one when it was taking an hour+ to *scan* the files. It redefines the word slow. On the plus side, the version for windows must be better (can't be any worse!)

[OverWorked]

@Overworked: SICTS?

 

SICTS = Schools ICT Services

 

Sorry, I thought it was a standard acronym.

[OverWorked]

I read this as, if you have 1 server with the full product on, you will need an agent for each of the other 2 servers and an agent for the SQL server.

 

1x Backup Exec

2x Windows Agents

1x SQL Agent

 

This is how I've licenced Backup Exec 9.

 

Thanks.

 

It looks like SQL Server backup is included in v11d, so it won't be needed. I'll just need 1 x BE + 2 x Windows Agents.

 

They offer an Active Directory agent. Is this really necessary to backup a domain controller? Or does it just add features I won't need?

[Heebeejeebee]

It looks like SQL Server backup is included in v11d, so it won't be needed. I'll just need 1 x BE + 2 x Windows Agents.

 

That would appear to be the case but they still sell a full SQL version.

 

I recently purchased 2 x 11d and 5 agents and they all work well and with the Ultrium drives. I was surprised that the agent backed up our SIMS server including the databases without having to stop the SQL service.

 

Very expensive but works well.

 

On a related note, 11d has just started borking out on the Shadow Copy Component. It used to work fine but has just stopped working on all BE installations including agents. The error code, which escapes me at the moment, indicated that there is a fix from MS but you have to apply for it and I can't seem to find out how to do so.

 

Any one else see this type of error?

 

Cheers

 

HBJB

[OverWorked]

I recently purchased 2 x 11d and 5 agents and they all work well and with the Ultrium drives. I was surprised that the agent backed up our SIMS server including the databases without having to stop the SQL service

 

Thanks. I need this because we're installing CMIS soon.

[john]

When I got my copy of BackExec 11D, I think it came with a couple of free agent licences, but it doesnt come with any SQL from what I saw, the eval makes it appear as if it does but when you licence with a real key it locks it off. I have not got an AD licence but it backups my AD though fine so who knows!

[DMcCoy]

I think the AD license is to use the ADAM stuff so you can restore individual objects, it still backs up the system state if you need to restore the whole thing.

[Heebeejeebee]

When I got my copy of BackExec 11D, I think it came with a couple of free agent licences, but it doesnt come with any SQL from what I saw, the eval makes it appear as if it does but when you licence with a real key it locks it off. I have not got an AD licence but it backups my AD though fine so who knows!

 

My 11d came with 5 included "Desktop" licenses which I took to meaning that it is able to backup workstations if required. I think it works in a similar way to the Agents though.

 

As for the SQL license, I've checked mine and it doesn't mention anywhere that it's able to backup SQ Server databases but our SIMS databases are defiantly being backed up correctly. We are not using "full" SQL yet as I've not had a chance to install it yet so I don't know if this has any bearing on it.

 

HBJB