For most of the soft cost reasons we reviewed
in Chapter 1, it always makes sense if possible to have the
PC vendor factory install the tape drive into the server.
So although the DAT tape drive can cost two to
four times as much as a Travan tape drive, the DAT-based tape drive
is generally the best value for a small business with a dozen or
more network users.
Note:
The value proposition of DAT tape drives is actually very
similar to the lower cost-per-page idea of networked,
workgroup laser printers that we explored in Chapter 2.
If you’ll be purchasing 32 or more tape
cartridges initially, you’ll appreciate that DDS-4 (20/40GB) tape
cartridges for DAT drives not only have a higher capacity and
smaller form factor, but are actually much less expensive
($15 to $25). Compared to purchasing 32 Travan tapes at $30 to $40,
the cost differential can be tremendous.
DAT tape drives are also much faster.
Although performance varies by model and
manufacturer, a DDS-4 based DAT tape drive can be as much as twice
as fast on backup, verify and restore jobs as a Travan-based tape
drive. Again, if you have only a four- to six-hour daily window for
full system backups, speed becomes critical.
Finally, DAT tape drives are virtually silent,
but Travan tape drives tend to make a whirring noise while
operating. If the server is locked up and only running jobs
overnight, this won’t be an issue. But, it is worth pointing out,
if the server happens to be on your desk and you’re planning to
run backup jobs during your business day.
To avoid configuration, device driver and
compatibility headaches, while saving some money compared to retail,
get the backup drive preinstalled with the purchase of a new PC or
server.
Note:
If you have an unusually large data storage
requirement (well in excess of 20GB) or a bottomless budget,
the next step up from DDS-3/DDS-4 DAT tape drives is DLT
(digital linear tape). DLT-based tape backup drives are much
faster and have more storage capacity, but these drives are
generally too expensive for most small companies.
Relative Cost Indicator: $$$$
Troubleshooting a DAT-based tape backup drive
If you have an internal DDS-3 or DDS-4 tape
drive, you occasionally may have a tape that’s stuck in
the drive. The first sign of this: You press the eject button
repeatedly and the tape still won’t eject from the drive.
I’ve found that power cycling the drive
almost always solves this problem. The trouble, however, is that
for an internal drive, you’ll actually need to shut down the
server, power the server off briefly, then start it up again.
Everyone will need to be closed out of
files on the network drives when you do this, so this is best
accomplished at a relatively low-network utilization time,
such as early morning, lunchtime or end of day.
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