SMB NAS to replace Tape backup/virtualization

[bvrussell]

Dear All,

I'm after some advice for the following setup.

I have a client that currently runs Symantec BES2011 to image all servers (6) to a NAS device which is in-turn backed up to tape for offsite storage.

The tape drive is broken and rather than replace it I would like to have a new NAS device that can :

1. Be used as a storage location for the server backup images providing fast data recovery.
2. Be used in future for use with VMware ESXi as the current servers will be virtualized in the next 12 months.
3. I would also like to install an additonal NAS device at a branch office and perform synchronistion so a copy of the backup data is kept offsite.
4. Ability to attach USB or eSata drive to the NAS to also take a copy of data offsite.

I'm looking to support approx 80 users in total, 6 servers in head offices (approx 800 GB data for backup) and 2 servers in remote offices (approx 150GB data for backup)

My initial thoughts are something like a ReadyNAS 2100 at head office and a ReadyNAS Pro at the branch with a ReadyNAS replicate license ?

I'd be grateful if anyone had any advice on this setup, experience in a similar scenario or any input.

Kind Regards

Ben

 

[claykin]

What NAS do they have now?

Readynas with Replicate should work well for the backups. Have you visited the Readynas forums and discussed with users there?

Keep in mind that the Readynas 2100 is a 32 bit architecture. For better performance and future proofing I would recommend a 64 bit architecture like the Pro. In a rackmount that would be the 3100 and higher models.

Also Readynas has no eSata which is a bummer. I hope USB2 will work for your needs.

 

[bvrussell]

Thanks for your response.

Is there a similar product you would recomend over the Ready NAS?

Ideally I don't want to be spending more than £1200-£1400 on the main NAS unit?

 

[claykin]

I'm a fan of the Readynas products. They have a robust OS, great 5 year warranty on Business models, arguably the best forum where the developers actually participate and options to get hardware replaced quickly if you're down.

Most other NAS OEM's require their customers work with the original vendor for after sales repairs. Some also require the unit to be shipped back to their HQ. Different countries have different support practices. Check the UK sites.

I would stick with either Readynas, Qnap or Synology.

 

[thiggins]

I would stick with either Readynas, Qnap or Synology.

Just curious, claykin. Why not Iomega?

 

[claykin]

Just curious, claykin. Why not Iomega?

The ZIP drive should be enough reason...

Actually, I don't spend much time on Iomega products. Are they serious about NAS and supporting their products with after sales OS updates and feature enhancements?

Here's a couple annoying things.

1) The $800 4 disk PX NAS does not have a single Enterprise disk on the approved disk list. Actually the approved list is very short.

2) Still lacking OSX Lion support for many NAS models. Maybe all. https://iomega-na-en.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/28327

...

 

[stevech]

The ZIP drive should be enough reason...

Actually, I don't spend much time on Iomega products. Are they serious about NAS and supporting their products with after sales OS updates and feature enhancements?

Iomega brilliantly pioneered low cost cartridge high capacity storage. Long ago. Kudos to them for even existing now. But that doesn't mean I'd buy their current crop of Asian rebranded boxes.

 

[GregN]

Iomega brilliantly pioneered low cost cartridge high capacity storage. Long ago. Kudos to them for even existing now. But that doesn't mean I'd buy their current crop of Asian rebranded boxes.

IOMega is just the consumer arm of EMC now isn't it?

Their NASes are wholly OEMed?

I've always felt they were a bit overpriced, but since the click of death days, they are now much better at Quality Assurance and Support.

 

[thiggins]

Iomega brilliantly pioneered low cost cartridge high capacity storage. Long ago. Kudos to them for even existing now. But that doesn't mean I'd buy their current crop of Asian rebranded boxes.

So what box are they rebranding? They don't look like anyone elses to me for either construction or software.

Like everyone else, I'm sure they are manufactured in China. But the designs look unique.

 

[stevech]

sorry - I use the term "rebranding" too loosely- to mean shopping the spot markets Asia, then paying to get your logo in the firmware and badge the box.

 

[bvrussell]

Thanks for the comments. After doing some extensive research I think I'm going to go with a QNAP 559 Pro II or 459 Pro II.

Whilst the ReadyNas gets great reviews and has the longer warranty I need to be able to backup to either an External USB or ESata drive from the NAS and USB 2.0 just won't cut-it with regards to speed.

If the ReadyNAS provided USB on any of it's Pro Devices with 4 or 6 bays it would have been a cert. I'm suprised Netgear only have this on the 2 bay Pro.

Many Thanks

Ben

 

[claykin]

Thanks for the comments. After doing some extensive research I think I'm going to go with a QNAP 559 Pro II or 459 Pro II.

Whilst the ReadyNas gets great reviews and has the longer warranty I need to be able to backup to either an External USB or ESata drive from the NAS and USB 2.0 just won't cut-it with regards to speed.

If the ReadyNAS provided USB on any of it's Pro Devices with 4 or 6 bays it would have been a cert. I'm suprised Netgear only have this on the 2 bay Pro.

Many Thanks

Ben

Are you looking for USB 3 on the Readynas Pro? If so, you are not alone. Actually I really wish Netgear would add eSata. I prefer native disk connections where I can read SMART data. Cannot reliably read SMART data over USB.

 

[thiggins]

sorry - I use the term "rebranding" too loosely- to mean shopping the spot markets Asia, then paying to get your logo in the firmware and badge the box.

I don't see any sign of that in the Iomegas. The firmware is unique to them, although based on Linux like most all NASes.

 

[claykin]

I don't see any sign of that in the Iomegas. The firmware is unique to them, although based on Linux like most all NASes.

I think I hear the click of death.