So I’m trying to determine more efficient methods of remote backup solutions lately. Presently I am using Acronis True Image Echo Enterprise Server (9.7b8706) to test methods of backup. Here’s an example implementation:

Full Computer Backup
Normal Compression
Exclude SQL, Exchange, *.tmp, *.~, *.tib

Incremental Backup
Normal Compression
Exclude SQL, Exchange, *.tmp, *.~, *.tib

This is being executed on 8 servers across the network. on a daily basis. The average size of all 8 servers’ incrementals is roughly 400MB.

To handle SQL, I use SQL 2005 Management Studio to schedule a job agent backup to a NAS then compress that backup of the databases using 7zip from 8GB to 450MB on average. The compression takes approximately 6 hours on a Dual Core 2.2 with 4GB ram.

To handle Exchange I use NTBackup and create incrementals to a NAS (same NAS as SQL is going to.). My question(s) are these:

1) How can I increase the time to compression ratio for the SQL? 6 hours is severely retarding my time alotment for remote transfer. I like I can get it down to about 500MB from 8GB, but at the expense of 6 hours?

2) What FTP software (preferrably open-source) is available that has features such as auto-reconnect, resume, rate limiting? I prefer non-gui as this would be scripted and executed after an Acronis image has been done and after SQL/Exchange backup completes and is compressed.

3) Has anyone tested Acronis Exchange Backup server?

Now, for seed loading/offloading, what software do you use for this? Windows copy is nice, but c’mon, it’s not nearly advanced as other tools out there (that I haven’t really tested). I’ve played with robocopy, but is there anything else out there that someone recommends? And can you show me performance increased charts to back up the fact it’s better than Windows copy?

Thanks for any input anyone can offer up on this. If you have questions let me know and I’ll answer to the best of my ability.


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