Nutter offers advice on moving from one tape library to another, while moving to a new version of the software.
Due to added demands for backing up our servers, a new tape library was purchased. Since it uses a different type of tape cartridge from our current unit, we won’t be able to read the old tapes in the new drive. We’re trying to take advantage of the new library unit while minimizing downtown for the servers and our users. As a part of purchasing the new library, we had to upgrade to a new version of Veritas Backup Exec, taking us from 8.5 to 9.1. We’re also moving to a new server that will be handling the new tape library. Suggestions on how to get this done?
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Since you’re going from an older version of Backup Exec to the latest, you’re going to have to upgrade the back-up agent installed on all the servers and any workstations you may be backing up. The best way I’ve seen this done is to uninstall the current back-up agent, reboot the server (even if you’re running Windows 2000 or .Net) and then install the new back-up agent. Do this process one server at a time as you move the server from being backed up by the old library to the new one.
Do a gradual migration; one server at a time will be easier to handle in terms of dealing with whatever problems may show up and less stress with having to move all the servers “now.” This will take a little longer than trying to do all the servers at once, but I much prefer doing it this way having done migrations both ways. Especially when you start working with servers that are running special back-up agents for Exchange, SQL and others, you’ll want to take your time and make sure everything smoothly.
As to when to take the old library offline, look at the current tape rotation system. See when the last tape that needs the old drive will be replaced by tapes for the new library. Depending on how far back your month-end or year-end tapes go before they get recycled, you may find that leaving the old drive connected to its current server powered off with the Backup Exec services disabled may be the easiest way to handle the situation.
Another option is to purchase the library expansion add-on from Veritas and connect the old library and the new library to the same server.
