Synchronize to MAIN SQL server and backing up just that server.

  • I have 2 SQL servers.

    1 is the MAIN one with various databases on it! It's being backed up!

    The other is the for one HR application with ONE Database.

    Is this possible? and HOW can I do this????

    1. Synchronize the HR Database to the Main-SQL server. - This way there is always a copy on the other server.

    2. This way I will only back up the MAIN-SQL server with Backup Exec. and I don't have to buy two clients.

  • There isn't a great way to do this. If you have two SQL Servers, you want to back up the HR database separately. You can script or setup a package of some sort to copy those backup files to the main server and use Backup Exec to then get the data to tape.

    You could also use Database mirroring to move the data to the main server if you wanted. That's a relatively easy solution.

    If you are talking about the Backup Exec Agent for SQL Server, I'd highly recommend you just don't use this. I have had numerous issues getting that to work on restores. Back up to disk with SQL Server and then let Backup Exec grab the files and move them to tape.

  • So I could do database mirror. with the MAIN server. How can I do this? Is it a simple step by step process? or a mini/delicate project?

    * To be Honest I'm thinking about steering away from backup exec and using the Acronis True Image SQL server BACKUP for the MAIN. (Back Up exec is just headaches all over for me) -

    Whatcha think?

  • if you are talking about an hr database the needs to be updated on each server then merge replication would allow that

    It you are talking just reporting off of one of the servers then transactional replications would be the ticket

  • oscar (10/27/2008)


    Is it a simple step by step process? or a mini/delicate project?

    Look up Database Mirroring in Books Online. It's not too complex, but it's not a 2-click process. Also you need to make sure you don't impact the primary server (possible if the network is poor or the mirror server under heavy load)

    * To be Honest I'm thinking about steering away from backup exec and using the Acronis True Image SQL server BACKUP for the MAIN. (Back Up exec is just headaches all over for me) -

    Whatcha think?

    Use SQL native backups unless you've got a good reason not to. It works, it can be easily scheduled (sql agent), it's well known, your backup can be restored to any SQL server without needing a 3rd party tool installed.

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass
  • That's interesting... and it sounds good. Using the native backup solution. Does it do recurring backups? In other words... I've had issues in the past where it keeps backing up and fills up the drive. - Can I set it to only maintain a certain time period worth of data? recycle after a month?

  • There are a ton of ways to setup backups in SSMS, and yes there is a clean up task that you can have execute at the end of the task that will delete old backups.

    This should get you started.

    http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms187510(SQL.90).aspx

  • Ok thanks, I will look into that link and give it a shot!

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