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Backup for archived databases

  • November 29, 2012 at 11:31 am

    #271442

    I would like to ask DBAs, about the backups for databases.

    We have a database server that hosts Research and Assessment database.

    They want the databases to be archived each month a copy on disk for state auditing purpose.

    And they are online, and we do a backup on backup drive and make the db readonly.

    Now since the database is archived each month, so the backup drive almost full - 500 GB.

    We have to keep adding the backup drive space and keep this going.

    As a dba, I have to keep asking network people to add space to it.

    I have talked with the Research department to see if we can move the archived db to tape. and they seem not prefer that way, because they think it will take longer time.

    and they want sometimes do report quickly when auditor asks to.

    My question is how I can handle this? To expand the backup drive to a really big space and ask they pay for the disks. or any other recommendations?

    Our standard retention plan is usually keep most recent month data on disk. But for this one, we make it exception, but it keeps growing, and it seems more other groups they want archived db online and we have to do the backup.

    And it will also create maintenance hassels, and when migrating servers, it will take longer time to move archived dbs.

    I would like to know from other DBAs what is the best way to handle this?

    P.s We are using standard edition, so no compresision option.

    Thanks,

  • November 29, 2012 at 12:01 pm

    #1563959

    Have you tried compressing the backup files using a zip utility?

    Also, this is a pretty straight forward situation.

    If the business requirement is to keep monthly backups of a database, then you need to keep monthly backups of the database.

    Backups take up space. The business should understand this and be prepared to pay for the disk space.

  • November 29, 2012 at 12:05 pm

    #1563964

    Thanks, when you say zip utility, what you recommend to use for zip databases?

    Thanks

  • November 29, 2012 at 1:19 pm

    #1564005

    How long usually is the retention period for regular databases backups for other dbas in your org/company?

  • November 29, 2012 at 4:24 pm

    #1564091

    Winzip, winrar, 7zip, etc.

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