Looking for Offsite Backup Solution - Input Needed

[DrkSide]

Not sure if this is the right spot for this.

I have a few customers asking for me to backup their server information offsite and a few individuals that have expressed interest in backing up their home computer. They don't care for backing up to the cloud via Mozy or another service like that and would prefer to stay with a local company (Me).

So I have been searching for a software solution that I can run my own backup server off of my server 2003 (soon to be 2008 ) box. These seem to be few and far between. I have looked at Crashplan Pro and Druva. I like the data deduplication of Druva but Crashplan seems to be a proven solution.

Anyone have any input on this?

My server is a intel dual core celeron with 2GB of ram and 6TB of storage. Currently it is running Server 2003 and a VM of Windows Home Server to backup all of my local machines. I want to build a dedicated server if I get more customers but I don't have the $3K that I would like to put into one right now so the cheaper the better until I get it up and running. I am not currently running any type of raid but I will be duplicating the data that is backed up to a second disc somehow.

[OvRiDe]

Crashplan

http://b3.crashplan.com/

Windows, Mac, Linux, and Solaris clients.

Allows you to back up to your own machines or your friends machines for free, or for a small annual fee you can use their cloud. The neat thing is you can do all three options at the same time if you want.

[Airbozo]

Just make sure YOUR backup plan is spot on before charging someone else for this service. When you enter into an agreement to provide professional backup services you can suddenly become responsible for other peoples data, which can open you up to legal issues.

IMO you should provide at least 2 different backups. Local to your site and an offsite spare in case something happens to the local data (fire, theft, etc.).

Make sure to draw up a legal agreement that protects you from damages in case they do something dumb, or something out of your control eradicates their backups.

[DrkSide]

OvRiDe - I am moving beyond just backing up friends machines. I am going to be charging my customers for this service. So I would have to use Crashplan Pro. I will also be backing up servers (2003 and 2008 ) as well as laptops and workstations.

Thanks for the input. Crashplan is at the top of my list right now. I will probably be starting a trial today and installing it on my server.

[DrkSide]

@Airbozo - I already have the legal agreement drawn up.

I am looking to offer onsite, offsite (my office), and a second offsite (probably friends office) in the service.

I have a customer that wants to be a test subject in return for a month or two free once I get the problems worked out and the service reliable.

The one plus to crashplan is that it does not require me to set up vpn devices as the software takes care of that. This will be a big help in startup due to cost but I am worried about bandwidth.

[OvRiDe]

Logmein Backup is a product that an IT company I sub for uses.

https://secure.logmein.com/products/backup/

Its about 4 bucks a month per PC, its not too bad since you'll probably be marking it up a bit as a service to your customers.

They have been really happy with it, and its taken alot of the hassles out of the process.

It also doesn't require a VPN connection back to the backup server.

[DrkSide]

I didn't even know Logmein had a backup service. OvRiDe, how does this work when backing up a server. Exchange and SQL support at all? I didn't see it on the website but I thought I might give them a call in a little bit.

I use them to remote manage a couple servers and family pc's. Makes the process a breeze.

Edit: Just found it in the KB, it can backup SQL and Exchange.

[Airbozo]

Question:
Are you just going to be responsible for the data storage or backups and restores?

You could offer tiered services based on your involvement.

I store my backups, a copy of my friends and some family's backups in my fireproof safe and they do the same for me. Gives me a warm fuzzy if nothing else. I also periodically test my backups. I make sure my friends and family know they must do the same or backups mean nothing.

[OvRiDe]

I also periodically test my backups. I make sure my friends and family know they must do the same or backups mean nothing.

Can I get an AMEN!!

I don't know how many times I have had a tape brought to me that was so overused that it was almost clear, and have them ask me if I can fix it after the fact.

[DrkSide]

Airbozo

I will be responsible for everything for most of the people that use it. I cater to small companies that have no IT staff, therefore I am it.

Testing the backups is a must. A backup doesn't do any good unless it can be used. OvRiDe, I hated when I worked for a company that used tapes as a backup. It was a pain just getting the people to change them out since I was normally not in the office. Luckily I never had to do a restore from them.