So I am looking at replacements for my Drobo. I don't NEED to replace it right now but it is getting close to replacement. I am wondering what other people are using. Right now it is plugged directly into the back of my backup server (via ethernet cable) and serves as a DAS target for my backups. Nothing else.
Right now I am using 11.31TB/17.76TB. I am looking for something similarly sized that will perform the exact same function. I like the idea of a DAS/NAS because then if the server crashes I can just plug the device into another server, inventory and catalog and all my backups data is back. I am not opposed to sticking with Drobo. I have not had perfect experiences with it but it does the job.
I am using this device with Backup Exec to retain out files long term. (I hate BE so much, but for ONLY file backups, it really does a great job!) I am leveraging a Unitrends device and Forever cloud/DRaaS setup for my server images, so this solution is only for our
less than 1TB fileshare. But we do keep EVERY copy going back 2 years, this is the reason for the capacity. Dedup just adds another layer of complexity. I would rather just pay for the space. (unless there is a device with dedup, I will not consider software based deduplication (like Backup Exec offers)

Any input is appreciated!

Thanks!

Hey everyone, I am working on migrating from physical to virtual. I have a failover cluster setup. My question is when I am creating a vm, should I do it through the nodes tab on the cluster manager, or should I use the Hyper-V manager. Is there a difference between the two?

@MattSpeller Right now my whole "new" setup is basically a lab. I am doing a complete domain change. Migrating necessary data over. I was left a piecemeal network and I don't like it so Nuke and Pave! I know I have my work cut out for me and its going to take me a while but when its done, it should all be to "best practices."

I had a bacon cheeseburger pizza today. It was amazing. It even had pickles on it which sounds strange but it really works!

I am running an phenom 1100T at work and it works very well. Great processor
At home I have an FX-8350 and I love it. I tend to be an AMD fangirl but that's because for the money, I think they are great. Yes, I can agree that Intel makes a good processor but for the money, Ill chose AMD hands down every single time.

I am not sure what the database connection issue was but the updating issue had to do with a hardware firewall rule.

Never mind, I figured this out too!
They make you create too many users and passwords.... after a few different combinations, I was able to move forward.

So I have run into a slight issue. I work in a manufacturing shop where we use oils and other lubricants to cut metal and plastic. This is reeking havoc on my computers. I have been seeing cpu fans completely fall off the motherboard from the oils settling on the clips and essentially eating them away. This is also an issue with our graphics cards. I have had to replace quite a few due to fans breaking (from the crap in the air!) When we open the pc's on the shop floor, often everything is covered in a film of grime (oil, metal shavings, dust, etc). I need a way to keep this stuff out. Right now I need ideas to throw as many out there as make sense. I have thought about going with a more enclosed setup but I have no idea where to begin looking. I know they make dust covers, but I am unsure as to how those would stand up to the oily stuff that floats in the air here.

@scottalanmiller said:

Just racking your existing desktops into the server closet and getting thin clients onto the desks now would be a way to fix things immediately while getting people used to the way that things work so that you have a fix now while getting ready for VDI someday.

Wish I had space for that right now, I am working on installing a relay rack in my server room and its a bit in shambles right now. Good idea though. I will most likely explore that a bit more when I am done with my current project.

Just for fun, here is some of my what I have done!

I just did a Red for Red trade-up from a XTM 520 to a M400. I just have one question about activation. You are supposed to go to the Watchguad website and type in the serial number for the device, which than lets you download the new feature key. Can anyone tell me if both feature keys can be "active" at the same time? I don't want to activate the M400 and lose the feature key to the XTM520 before I get the M400 installed. My gut tells me I can register the new one without affecting my current setup.

I assume the one that is active will stay active until I sync the new license on the new M400. Can anyone verify this for me?

@MattSpeller Right now my whole "new" setup is basically a lab. I am doing a complete domain change. Migrating necessary data over. I was left a piecemeal network and I don't like it so Nuke and Pave! I know I have my work cut out for me and its going to take me a while but when its done, it should all be to "best practices."

@scottalanmiller Hey! Good to be back. Its been a really busy year!

I think I got my question all answered. You can do it both ways.

Hey everyone, I am working on migrating from physical to virtual. I have a failover cluster setup. My question is when I am creating a vm, should I do it through the nodes tab on the cluster manager, or should I use the Hyper-V manager. Is there a difference between the two?

@NetworkNerd I have 9 volumes, 5 of which are active. I re-create volumes every so often and let the backups on the other volumes sit until they expire. I am actually in the process of a rebuild. I came in yesterday morning to a failed drive. I put the new drive in at like 11:30 and it still says it has like 40 hours left for rebuild.

Scott hit it on the head. I am not really looking for a replacement right this moment, just putting together a strategy. We have had the device for going on 4 years now I know there is still a lot of good life left in it. However, IF I am going to change to a different vendor, it would be in my best interest to do so before anything bad happens with the Drobo. Just trying to see what other people are using and if going with a different setup would be worth considering.

I am sure you can replicate but I don't need to. I have that covered with my Unitrends. If the building burns to the ground and this goes with it, it wont be that big of a deal. The will lose the history of the changes but they will still have all their files. Which is a way better place then they were 6 months ago.

@Jason Yes I know its all software at some layer but I would rather that layer be "hidden" from me as a built in function. I don't need dedup anyway its just more expensive. I did try BE's dedup to EPIC failure. I would just rather put the money into capacity than dedup software.

I am more looking at EOL replacement. I am having minor issues with mine right now but I suspect that a support call will get that taken care of. I just know this device wont last forever. I am trying to get an idea for a good replacement so if/when the time comes, I don't have to screw around with trying to figure out the best option.

So I am looking at replacements for my Drobo. I don't NEED to replace it right now but it is getting close to replacement. I am wondering what other people are using. Right now it is plugged directly into the back of my backup server (via ethernet cable) and serves as a DAS target for my backups. Nothing else.
Right now I am using 11.31TB/17.76TB. I am looking for something similarly sized that will perform the exact same function. I like the idea of a DAS/NAS because then if the server crashes I can just plug the device into another server, inventory and catalog and all my backups data is back. I am not opposed to sticking with Drobo. I have not had perfect experiences with it but it does the job.
I am using this device with Backup Exec to retain out files long term. (I hate BE so much, but for ONLY file backups, it really does a great job!) I am leveraging a Unitrends device and Forever cloud/DRaaS setup for my server images, so this solution is only for our
less than 1TB fileshare. But we do keep EVERY copy going back 2 years, this is the reason for the capacity. Dedup just adds another layer of complexity. I would rather just pay for the space. (unless there is a device with dedup, I will not consider software based deduplication (like Backup Exec offers)

Any input is appreciated!

Thanks!

@travisdh1 What we are looking at cannot be acquired from newegg...