So, having switched away from NDMP, for the above reasons, I have no burning desire to switch back, and am looking for backup solutions that do not require it. Although not the scope of this list, I need to back up Sun Solaris, IRIX & NT systems, as well.

What is there available?

If you want to back up a CIFS enabled filer and maintain UNIX- as well as NT-style file permissions, you'll need to use an NT backup solution. A UNIX backup solution will not retain the NT-style file permissions. If you use Legato NetWorker (supports the above mentioned OS's) with a UNIX based NetWorker server, you'll need to "front end" the filer with an NT server loaded with the NetWorker client (detailed in the below mentioned document). It's rumored that UNC paths can be used with NetWorker v5.5 (instead of mapped drive letters as documented in the below mentioned white paper).

This white paper might be somewhat helpful: http://www.netapp.com/technology/level3/3052.html

Regards,

Paul Benn Network Appliance