FreeBSD server(s) to backup multi-platform systems remotely

[Andrew P.]

Danny wrote:
> Good day to you all,
> 
> I would greatly appreciate any recommendations, related experiences,
> and tips for the following goal:
> 
> On a monthly and manual basis - to take a snapshot of data from a
> FreeBSD server and Windows server. Then compress and hopefully encrypt
> the data and send it to a remote FreeBSD server through some form of
> efficient and secure file transfer. Uncompressed a snapshot of all the
> data may total over ~8GB.
> 
> On a nightly and automated basis - to take a snapshot of all new and
> modified data from a FreeBSD server and Windows server. Then compress
> and hopefully encrypt the data and send it to a remote FreeBSD server
> through some form of efficient and secure file transfer. Uncompressed
> the nightly data may total ~20MB.
> 
> Anytime (assuming the remote server IS available, of course)  - have
> the ability to access the data and restore the data files to any
> systems respective of what type it came from (Windows or BSD, etc).
> And if a full restore was necessary, the data may total over 10GB.
> 
> Hardware and network-wise... here is what I was thinking:
> 
> FreeBSD & Windows Servers on the LAN
> |
> | LAN - firewalled
> v
> FreeBSD server where all the data would be collected and compressed 
> v
> |
> | Internet - secure connection or transport of some type (SCP, SSH, VPN, etc.)
> |
> | Remote co-lo
> v
> FreeBSB server where all the data would be stored with at least RAID 1
> 

I don't want to sound like an ad, but I've heard some experienced backup 
officers say that if you're gonna backup proprietary platforms (i.e. 
Windows) you'd best use proprietary backup software. And it'll pay for 
itself. Look at ARCserve, then google further.

Best wishes,
Andrew P.