Heya Skip,

hmm.. I have a setup similar to the one you're proposing, and I've found that there is a better option.

In lieu of conitinuing to use veritas products, and building out a SAN, I would suggest changing your backup software vendor.

www.bakbone.com http://www.bakbone.com 's netvault line is pretty impressive.

Generally less expensive, full NDMP support, neat-o filer options.

Topology wise, plug the backup tape unit directly to the R200.

You can then use the netvault software running on the windows 2003 server to backup ALL your windows servers to the tape library through the R200 using NDMP (over GbE), plus you can significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to backup the R200.

If people are dead set on using FC, definately get either Emulex or Qlogic Cards. I personally perfer Emulex.

Regards, Max

-----Original Message----- From: SKIP HOFMANN [mailto:SKIP.HOFMANN@ttisg.com] Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2004 10:37 AM To: toasters@mathworks.com Cc: RAYMUND SANTOS Subject: Fiber San

Hi all

We currently have an R200 that holds around 2 TB's of data. We have been backing this up using Cifs shares with Veritas backup exec, needles to say this has been a very painful and slow process. We are now looking into the idea of building a fiber SAN. Our Backup tape device is a Scalar 24 the drive is an IBM ULTRIUM-TD2, the server that will be running netback up is a windows 2003 server, and this along with the R200 will be plugged into the Fiber SAN. What I would like some advice on here is what type of fiber switch would you all recommend? I was looking at the 3200 also any recommendations on fiber nic cards for my 2003 box? http://www.brocade.com/products/silkworm/silkworm_3200/sw_3200.jsp http://www.brocade.com/products/silkworm/silkworm_3200/sw_3200.jsp

Thanks for any comments on this

Skip Hofmann

Senior Network Administrator

TetraTech

Skip.Hofmann@ttisg.com mailto:Skip.Hofmann@ttisg.com

949 500 5286 cell

949 608 5801 office

This electronic message, along with any attachments, is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any proprietary information or intellectual property contained in this transmission remains the sole and exclusive property of Marshall & Swift or Marshall & Swift/Boeckh. No right to use any products or services described in this transmission is valid without an executed and paid license agreement. If you received this in error, please reply to advise the sender and delete the material from any computer.