Backup/Archive Software

[PrePress Guru]

Hello PrePressGuru,
we have been using Dantz Retrospect since version 3.0 on System 7.1 using DDS tapes all the way through to EMC Retrospect Server 6.1 using AIT.

We also need to upgrade both hardware & software and were wondering where we go from here. All mac only, currently Tiger on G5. Funds extremely limited due to depth of recession in UK.

Hi,
I would still recommend Retrospect either V6 which does work well even on 10.5 or V8 which now works on a G4 or G5.
The new version does work and its worth considering and testing. The new features are great but im holding off until they can write to my V6 catalogs.
I don’t want to go through another 10+ tapes to backup my server but thats the only reason im holding out.

As to hardware, im partial to LTO tapes and loaders. They are much sturdier then DAT or AIT tapes.
Good deals can be had on ebay if cost is an issue. Ive bought a number of use drives from ebay and ive been very happy.
I bought the Dell branded external LTO SCSI drives, they have been very good. The ones i have are rebranded HP Ultrium drives.
If you can, I would go for LTO 2, 3 or if you can afford it 4. For macs, you need an external drive and a scsi card.
You can probably reuse the scsi card from the AIT drive. You can even get slightly used tapes from ebay.
Most of them come from companies that archive once and after a few years sell the tapes.
Ive bought them in packs of 10, 20 or 30 for $100-150 or so. The ones i have bought are not overused or abused but its a small calculated risk.
So far i haven’t had a bad tape yet and ive been able to restore data without any issues. Even so the new LTO tapes are not that expensive at all.

Hope that helps, goo luck!
Ian