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backing up more data than tape is rated for

Updated: 23 May 2010 | 4 comments
sql_noob's picture
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This issue has been solved. See solution.

i'm transfering backups to our new LTO-4 tape library and i noticed that in a few cases the tape seems to be holding more data than it's rated for. first i was surprised that we were getting the 1.6TB compressed number, but if i'm reading netbackup right then i have a LTO-4 tape that is holding 2.5TB of data

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DavidParker's picture
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May
2009
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That is actually a very

That is actually a very common thing.
The data rates listed are usually the 'minimum' you can achieve.

Depending on the nature of the data (ie: how it compresses), you can achieve much better storage rates.

sql_noob's picture
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May
2009
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this is all SQL data, but

this is all SQL data, but there is probably a lot of "free space" since the columns probably hold less data than the data types and what we specified

i was just shocked because with anything tech i assume everyone is lying and to expect less than what is advertised

DavidParker's picture
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May
2009
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lol that's usually a good

lol

that's usually a good rule of thumb :)

Seth Bokelman's picture
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May
2009
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Yes, I've seen 3:1

Yes, I've seen 3:1 compression on some of our Oracle data.  I used to see LTO-2 tapes with over 600GB on them.