Drobo - Automated Backups from "plugged in" clients

[DrTre]

I've a requirement for 3-4 people in a non networked office to be able to backup to a central place. Also, knowing these people it would be handy if things could be set to auto-backup certain folders on their laptops every so often, when plugged in.

Would something by Drobo do this? Any other suggestions? I've not any idea as to what is available on Drobo so apologies if this is a fundamentally stupid idea.

ETA I mean for all 3-4 client machines to be plugged in at once in some fashion?

Edited by DrTre on Thursday 15th April 12:13

[DrTre]

Any ideas?
TIA

[paddyhasneeds]

Can't speak for Drobo but have a look at Druva.

[DrTre]

paddyhasneeds said:

Can't speak for Drobo but have a look at Druva.

If the linux server works with a windows client then that's looking interesting, thank you.

[mikeh501]

what your talking about will not work. You cant connect a USB/Firewire device to multiple computers simultaneously.

You have two broad options:

• Implement a network, and have the client computers backup to a server or NAS or any other number of options here.
• If your clients have internet connectivity then you could implement something like mozy on each which backs up to the internet. No server required.

Enjoy!

I guess you do have a third option..... and that is to buy a USB hard drive with backup capability for each computer.

[paddyhasneeds]

DrTre said:

paddyhasneeds said:

Can't speak for Drobo but have a look at Druva.

If the linux server works with a windows client then that's looking interesting, thank you.

AFAIK the server works with either client, but we use the Windows server software so I'm only familiar with that.

Try it. tbh it's quicker/easier than reading up on it: http://www.druva.com/insync/free-licenses

[Blown2CV]

dropbox. I use it and it is excellent. 2Gb free, can pay for more space. Can share your space between machines. Completely hot backups, online sync don't have to do anything, it just works. Backup is online btw, not a local appliance.

https://www.dropbox.com

[DrTre]

Thanks v much to all 3 of you, genuinely appreciate it. will report back!