No More Tape Backups?

Well... I haven't reached no tape nirvana yet; but I'm inching my way there.

There are a few things that I can’t stand about backup systems; and backup tape is on the top of the list, right above the pure complexity of backup software. Backup tapes require too much thought, time, and funds – all of which; are at a limited supply. Tape has its place, but I tend to avoid using it if I can.

Enter Amazon S3 (thanks Jeff, for introducing me to S3!).

Simply put; Amazon S3 is storage for the Internet. It’s also relatively inexpensive storage - it’s secure, and flexible; allowing you to set permissions, and even stream data. However – and a big However; it does have a limit of a 5GB maximum single file size; so you have to get a little creative on the front end. Also; just the fact that it’s on the Internet means that transfers are somewhat slow.

Super Flexible File Synchronizer is a (currently) free program. It is, however, fairly powerful. It allows for secure, scheduled, unattended, transfers of data to S3. It will also send summary notifications via email as scheduled. So; I get notified of successful transfers, or any problems, in Outlook and on my BlackBerry.

S3 Firefox Organizer is a plug-in for Mozilla Firefox. It helps you organize and manage your files on Amazon S3. It’s easy to set up and easy to work with. You can view or set permissions on files, create directory structures, or simply delete unwanted files. I use this plug-in for manual, one time, transfers.

I’ve been using the tools above as an alternative method of backing up our most critical data (which happens to be Finance docs, and Shelby data). Basically; it’s an off-site copy of local backup data. Of course; I am still using tape – awful, dreadful, blasted, tape.

One of these days…



Here's some links for ya:

Amazon S3
Super Flexible File Synchronizer
S3 Firefox Organizer

Everything Internet

I've got a new computer sitting on my desk. So far; there's minimal software installed on it. My old computer had roughly 60 or so apps installed!

I found myself needing to make a flowchart, but hadn't re-installed Visio. I did a search and found an online flowchart program (free beta from flowchart.com). It's working for my needs.

Then a thought occurred to me. How much of my job can I do by using apps on the Internet?

Better yet - How much can I do online... for FREE?

I'll be laid up from knee surgery in a couple of weeks. I should have plenty time for research :-)

Duplicate File Management

I'm looking for something (that may not exist yet) wich will:

1. Search NTFS drives
2. Find duplicate files
3. Delete all but one
4. Leave shortcut markers in place of the files, pointing to the single file
5. If someone were to click the shortcut, they get a copy of the file. Once the copy is changed, the user gets to keep the changed file.

I know of something similar that works with Exchange... but haven't seen anything for other file types.

Mad Skillz

A report from Tech Republic (2008 IT Skills and Salary Report) lists the skills that us IT folks should be "on top of," confirming what most of us already knew.


Top 10 Tech Skills You Should Develop

If you like to be constantly developing new
skills, IT is the right field for you. In the late
80s, NetWare and IPX/SPX administration
were the skills to have. Today, it’s all about
TCP/IP and the Internet. Here are 10 skills
you should develop to keep on top of things
in the tech world in the next five years.
1. Voice over IP
2. Unified communications
3. Hybrid networks
4. Wireless technology
5. Remote user support
6. Mobile user support
7. Software as a service
8. Virtualization
9. IPv6
10. Security
Read more here.

Will it blend?

We are, once again, reviewing and testing various copy machines. Of course these are also printer/fax/scanner machines too; and will be connecting to our network. Along with this comes the need for software to manage everything. I remember when a copy machine simply made copies. Don’t get me wrong; I embrace the blending of technologies. It just means that us in IT get to add more to our “list.”

One of those days...

Today is one of those days…

I’ve got my calendar. I’ve got my BlackBerry – synchronized with my calendar. I know what I’m supposed to be doing. I just need to get everyone else on board with the fact that I plan out my time, and set priorities.