Veritas Enables Server-Free Backup

Veritas Software is rolling out software that lets administrators back up their networks without curtailing operations or imposing on a server.

Veritas NetBackup 4.0V now features a serverless backup agent, designed for storage-area networks and enterprise networks, that removes backup responsibilities from the server, while maintaining availability to data.

In serverless backup, an agent located on a server causes data to move directly from a disk to tape without the intervention of an application or database server.

Veritas is also introducing a serverless backup agent for Oracle databases that allows companies to back up data without interrupting operations.

The Veritas NetBackup ServerFree Agent combines snapshot backup methods with data-movement technology to provide users with increased flexibility and reliability in protecting enterprise environments.

In snapshot backups, "point-in-time" copies of data and subsequent changes to the data are made. After the data snapshot is taken, the NetBackup ServerFree Agent links the logical names of the data to their physical locations. The data is then moved via the block-oriented SCSI Extended Copy Command to the tape drive or storage location. SCSI Extended Copy works with SAN routers from Chapparral Network Storage, Crossroads Systems, and Pathlight Technology.

Veritas NetBackup 4.0V is initially available for the Sun Solaris operating system, although Veritas will extend the capability to Windows NT and 2000, Linux, and other versions of Unix.

Veritas NetBackup 4.0V, the ServerFree Agent, and the NetBackup for Oracle ServerFree Agent are available immediately. Pricing for Version 4.0V starts at $10,000 per server. The NetBackup ServerFree Agent costs an additional $9000 per server. The NetBackup for Oracle ServerFree Agent also costs an additional $9000 per server.