Re: Time Machine as a Backup for the server

Subject: Re: Time Machine as a Backup for the server

From: David Haines <email@hidden>

Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 21:43:01 -0400

Delivered-to: email@hidden

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On 02/07/2009, at 12:30 AM, Steve Meredith wrote:

I'm new to the list, please forgive me if this has been asked and answered!

Our HP Tape backup failed, it can no longer read-write to tape. I was thinking a faster method would be to use TimeMachine as a server grade backup.
Wondering about the reliability, rotation of media (two separate drives) etc.

On Jul 1, 2009, at 8:13 PM, elusiv3 wrote:

I have been using Time Machine as a backup on a few servers for about 6 months with no issues. It's very handy for restoring files to user homes. If a user deletes a file that was there an hour ago I can very easily get it back. Depending on your backup up needs and the services that your server is running I think Time Machine is a very good reliable option.

(as an aside, I'll put in my vote & suggestion against top-posting, please)

The larger problem here is that answering such a vague question merits vague answers.

The question is akin to "will I like such-and-such brand sneakers" ? With no other details apart from you liked your old dress shoes that lasted for years, but want to wear sneakers now.

Time Machine as noted, is not appropriate for many kinds of services. Also, without proper rotation of the storage media (including off-site storage), it's not backup in the same way

that tape can be.

Context is everything, so: what services are running, what plans do you have for ensuring that you use enough multiple devices/drives and arrangements for offsite storage ?

What are you logging requirements ? Does TM give you truly granular enough control (ie: not much !) over retention of data and what are your needs & policies in that regard ? etc.

those are just a few beginning questions.

Two separate drives is what I'd consider sub-optimal. Drives can do fail. What happens if Drive 2 has a badly needed file and it gets dropped down a flight of stairs or

worse ?

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References:
	>Time Machine as a Backup for the server (From: "Steve Meredith" <email@hidden>)
	>Re: Time Machine as a Backup for the server (From: elusiv3 <email@hidden>)