REELbackup

[Previous] [Next]

REELbackup features multiplexing: interleaving data to as many as 10 different backup streams—either from Windows NT, UNIX, or both—to a single or multiple tape drives. The product also supports the use of fast write/read, enabling the storage and retrieval of large volumes of data on a single tape. It has been clocked in the range of 8 MB/sec on the channel running with a DLT7000. Online database backup support is a feature that enables systems and database administrators to reduce downtime in order to make the databases such as Microsoft Exchange continually available to users.

While backup and restore to Windows NT clients has been a function of the REELs software suite for some time, the ability to host NetMaster (server version 3) on a Windows NT operating system is relatively new in the marketplace. NetMaster has been available in UNIX environments for several years and is one of the pioneers in the world of backup and recovery. REEL accommodates several platforms and flavors of UNIX-based hosts and can exploit the transfer rates of extremely high performance tape units.

The REELs suite is currently the only complete storage area network architecture in production that performs dynamic switching of tape and library devices. Legato's NetWorker and Veritas's NetBackup products are in the final phases of implementing dynamic switching SAN solutions in the market.

Server Recommendations

REELbackup relies heavily on caching, so be sure to configure it with sufficient memory. The recommended minimum available memory is 128 MB of RAM, but 512 MB or more is preferable. One gigabyte is the recommended starting point for disk space, but the eventual amount you will need depends on how much material you intend to back up.