back up a readynas using acronis

[harrisons]

Hi,
We are looking to purchase a ReadyNAS 2100 to replace an existing W2003 server.

We currently have 3 W2003 servers all backed up using Acronis to a series of Buffalo Linkstations (apologies..).

I am unable to establish whether Acronis will be able to back up the ReadyNAS to the Linkstation acropss the network. It appears Acronis software actually has to reside on the item it is backing up.

Does anyone have any experience in getting this type of arrangement to work?

We don't really want to change our back up system as otherwise Acronis is excellent.
Cheers,
Simon

[yoh-dah]

It should work -- take a look at this howto: http://www.readynas.com/?p=294

[harrisons]

Hi thanks for that.

But that appears to be how to back up to a ReadyNAS; I want to be able to backup from a ReadyNAS that's part of the live network to a Linkstation which is the back up media.

This may be a shortcoming in Acronis, but you'd think there'd be an agent or something to be able to back up NAS devices. Lots of businesses use this sort of data store instead of traditional servers these days.

Cheers,
Simon

[yoh-dah]

Why not use rsync?

[dengar]

Note too that we now offer the Symantec agent to do what you are talking about. Doesn't help for Acronis, I know.

[harrisons]

Hi guys,

I appreciate the advice but as I say we're happy with Acronis and have done test full system restores many times without a hitch.

We don't really want to add another tier to our disaster recovery plan either using Rsync.

Sooo, the question remains, can it do it?

Or since I dare say you must be closer to Netgear's development plans than I and also give them feedback on users hopes and fears, is it something that Acronis/Netgear are likely to resolve in the future?

Cheers,
Simon

[dengar]

You are correct, there is no Acronis backup software that runs on a ReadyNAS. However, you should be able to use Acronis on one of the Windows servers to backup the network share that is on the ReadyNAS.

The other alternative is to us iSCSI on the ReadyNAS and mount it as local storage for the Windows server. Acroinis won't know the difference and will think it is backing up more of the Windows server.

HTH

[harrisons]

Hello again,

Massive apologies for the delay in my reply.

We've now had a look at the iSCSI option and will give it a try and fingers crossed Acronis works ok.

Thanks for your time and input.

I'll let you know how it goes in due course, but don't hold your breath .

Cheers,
Simon