03-31-2002
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Join Date: Dec 2000
Last Activity: 21 May 2012, 6:37 PM EDT
Location: Greater Dallas area
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How it works is pretty complicated, but what is provides is a backup solution. You can configure automated backups of various types. NetBackup writes the backup to the storage unit (typically a tape library), catalog's the files backed up and info about them, as well as where exactly the files are on tape. This allows you to browse for different versions of a file etc. during a restore.
NetBackup provides the ability to have multiple media servers, often at different sites, attached under a master server in a domain model.
NetBackup is designed with disaster recovery (DR) in mind, just in case you lose the site. You would have to implement offsite tape storage, backup your NetBackup catalog's and license info and take that offsite as well.
There is a lot to NetBackup, but I have used it and it's main competitor (Legato), and prefer NB.
If your company is going to purchase NetBackup, make sure the salesman throws in a 3 or 5 day training class for the admin that will be administering it. I would recommend taking the class prior to the install, but I did a successful install before the class. It was a lot harder though.