Backup solution for a small shop

[tim_kent]

Hi,

We're looking at a new server running ESXi, consolidating our 3 older servers. I just have a couple of questions regarding serial ports and backups.

One of the servers runs HylaFAX so serial is required. I was looking at the Digi Connect SP to get around this. Any feedback?

I'm a bit lost when it comes to backups. Ideally the backup device will be local to the ESXi host, and passed through to a guest running BackupExec. What are my options here?

Has anyone had success with the Dell RD1000 connected via SATA? I had a look at the AnywhereUSB product but the 12Mbit limitation just doesn't cut the mustard.

Cheers

[AndreTheGiant]

One of the servers runs HylaFAX so serial is required. I was looking at the Digi Connect SP to get around this. Any feedback?

External serial device usally works fine.

But your serial port must be supported and recognized.

I'm a bit lost when it comes to backups. Ideally the backup device will be local to the ESXi host, and passed through to a guest running BackupExec. What are my options here?

This works fine, but I've used only SCSI (or SAS) passthrough.

For RD1000 you have to check on other discussion, but the external USB device could not be used.

The internal SATA device, if you can attach to a supported SATA controller (like PERC), probably could work.

Andre

[tim_kent]

Hi Andre,

External serial device usally works fine.

But your serial port must be supported and recognized.

Are you talking about plugging into the ESXi host directly? I know this isn't supported.

Cheers

[AndreTheGiant]

Are you talking about plugging into the ESXi host directly?

No. I only say that if you have the external USB version you cannot use it.

If you have the SATA internal version you can try to connect to a certified SATA controller.

If you have the external eSATA version I've no idea, I do not know if exists some supported SATA controller with eSATA port.

Andre

[dab]

If you have the SATA internal version you can try to connect to a certified SATA controller.

That's true, but IMHO you well see the RD1000 in Guest only if you use PCI-Passtrough with the SATA-Controller, I've done the same on the SCSI-Side in my environment, since my SCSI-Controller is'nt supported with ESX4 anymore.

Daniel

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[AndreTheGiant]

That's true, but IMHO you well see the RD1000 in Guest only if you use PCI-Passtrough with the SATA-Controller,

Not necessary.

If the SATA controller is recognized you can try to use RDM di directly map the disk.

But I do no know if could work.

Andre

[dab]

If the SATA controller is recognized you can try to use RDM di directly map the disk.

Ok that's true, I'm not familiar with this RD1000 things, so I don't know how they will be detected as disk or "tape", let's see what tim.kent find out

Daniel

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[AndreTheGiant]

RD1000 cartridge is simple a SATA 2.5 disk.

Andre