Using Drobo for On-site and Off-site Backup with CrashPlan

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1 A proper backup strategy must include both on- site and off- site backups to ensure that all critical data is fully protected. While Drobo provides redundant storage that protects against one or two simultanious drive failures, it can not safeguard against viruses, power surges, or natural disasters. To ensure that all critical data is protected, Drobo recommends a backup plan. 3 copies of any data that needs to be kept 2 different devices, for protection against device failure 1 location specifically designated for offsite data protection Drobo direct- attached storage provides high- performance protected storage with exceptional scalability for primary workspace storage. A second Drobo (or other storage device) provides a backup copy of primary storage to ensure protection against catastrophic failure, while also offering additional benefits such file versioning and nearly instantaneous restorations in the event a file is accidentally deleted. While Cloud storage can provide expansive off- site protection of critical data, the recurring costs associated with large amounts of data can limit feasibility. CrashPlan includes support for backups between sites as well as social backup allowing friends and family to store encrypted backups offering off- site backups without the costs associated with cloud services. While this document covers the free CrashPlan, additional Drobo solutions documents can be found on the solutions page. Topics On- site Backups Using CrashPlan Off- site Backups Between Drobo Storage Devices Social Backup between Family & Friends What You Will Need The latest Drobo Dashboard and firmware release Drobo direct attached storage (DAS) or iscsi device Mac or Windows Workstation(s) connected to the Drobo(s) - Two computers are required for off- site backups CrashPlan Software - Free CrashPlan account High- speed internet access drobo.com 1

2 On- site Backups Using CrashPlan Drobo How-To Guide This section covers how to configure local backups with CrashPlan. If the Drobo will be used for workspace storage as well as backups, secondary storage is still recommend. While this configuration provides file versioning and protection from accidental file deletion, it does not protect against catastrophic failure, and secondary media and off- site backups are the recommended best practice to ensure against critical data loss. STEP 1 Download and install the free CrashPlan application from the URL below and create a CrashPlan Account as part of the installation process. STEP 2 Launch the CrashPlan application On the Backup tab, click the Select button under the Files section. drobo.com 2

3 STEP 3 Choose the files & folders that will be backed up on to the Drobo and click Save. In this example, only the users folder will be included in the backup job. CrashPlan will begin to scan all the files and directories selected. NOTE: This full scan will only occur when a new backup source is selected. STEP 4 Click on the Destination tab to view backup destination and options for this job Click the Folders button and then click the Select button next to select a backup destination folder. drobo.com 3

4 Select a directory on the Drobo that will be used to store backup data. In this example the folder Data on the Drobo Mini will be used as the backup destination. Click OK to once the folder has been selected. STEP 5 NOTE: There is only one Start Backup button on this screen. If additional backup destinations had been configured, there would be one button to the right of each of these locations. On the Folders tab verify the destination folder is correctly listed under Available Folders Click the Start Backup button to begin the initial backup job. The Progress status bar indicates that the backup is underway and displays an estimate of time to completion. drobo.com 4

5 STEP 6 Once the backup has completed, CrashPlan will automatically verify the integrity of the data based on a predetermined time interval. To specify when this process will occur, navigate to Settings tab and select Backup. To verify the backup immediately select the Now button. Backing up to another Drobo for Offsite Storage In this example a Drobo will be utilized for both on- site and off- site storage. While a Drobo is not required at each end, it offers the maximum flexibility as capacity can be instantly expanded in a Drobo to match storage or retention requirements. NOTE: This configuration requires a computer that remains powered on at both locations where the Drobo system(s) are connected functioning as a server. STEP 1 Configure the computers as shown in Steps 1 and 2 in the previous section of this guide. Basic configuration is required at both the on- site and off- site locations. NOTE: The computers at each location do not need to share the same operating system or platform. For example, a Windows computer at the primary site and a Mac at the off- site location is fully supported. drobo.com 5

6 STEP 2 At the off- site location, load CrashPlan and select Existing Account. Enter the same credentials that were used for the primary site. Click Sign In to authorize this computer. STEP 3 Select the Destination tab and then Computers. Both computers associated with this account should be displayed. Note The backup job can be created from either site and there is no limitation on which computer functions as the source or destination drobo.com 6

7 STEP 4 On the Backup tab, select the Change button located under Files In this example the folder Test_Data located on the Drobo Mini has been selected for off- site backup. Click Save to finish. Note: While there are no limits to the number of folders or size of data that can be selected for off- site backup, the time required to complete a backup is limited by the internet connection. drobo.com 7

8 STEP 5 To select a destination folder for backup jobs, load CrashPlan on the off- site computer and navigate to the Settings tab. Under General, select Configure to select a inbound backup destination On the Inbound Backup Settings window, click on the folder icon to change the backup archive location to the Drobo drobo.com 8

9 Select a folder on the Drobo that will be used to store backup data sent from the primary site. Click OK to return to the settings window. Verify that the archive location now points to the Drobo and click OK to continue. drobo.com 9

10 STEP 6 In the Destinations window, click the Start Backup button located next to the off- site computer. The off- site backup will begin immediately. The status of the job can be found on the Backup tab. NOTE The initial backup may take considerable time depending upon internet connectivity. Configuring Social Backup to a Drobo for Family & Friends One great feature of CrashPlan is option for cooperative backup among family and friends. This section similar to those in the previous section, where the same user has control of the computers and storage at both sites, but sends invitations to family or friends to participate in backup. This can be configured in either direction. NOTE: This setup is assuming that both parties involved have computers and both have ample capacity for storing social backups, like a scalable Drobo storage unit. STEP 1 Navigate to the Destinations tab and select Friends from the top menu. Click the Invite link to send an invitation to a friend to join CrashPlan.. drobo.com 10

11 Enter the address(es) of friends or family who will participate in the social backup network. Click Add to begin the invitation process. In the invitation message select Yes offer my computer to enable other social backup users to store their backup data on your computer. If desired, personalize the invitation message and then click Send Invitation. drobo.com 11

12 STEP 2 When an invite is received, CrashPlan will automatically prompt to accept or decline. NOTE - For the invitation process to complete, the invitee must sign up for CrashPlan with the same address used for the invitation STEP 3 On the invitee s computer, configure a destination for backups sent from other social backup users. Click on Settings tab and then select General. Click the Configure button next to the Inbound backup from other computers. drobo.com 12

13 On the Inbound Backup Settings Window, click on the folder icon to change the backup archive location to the Drobo Select a folder on the Drobo that will be used to store backup data sent from other social backup users. Click OK to return to the settings window and then click OK to save the inbound settings. drobo.com 13

14 Click on the Friends tab and verify that the Default Location points to the proper folder located on the Drobo. STEP 4 We are now ready to start a backup. Click on the Destinations tab and then select the social backup computer that will be used as the destination. Click Start Backup to begin the social backup. To view the progress of the backup, navigate to the Backup tab. drobo.com 14

15 The social backup is now complete. An encrypted copy of the data is now stored on the destination computer Drobo 2460 North First Street, Suite 100, San Jose, CA DROBO Copyright 2013 Drobo, Inc. Data Robotics, Drobo, DroboEllite, DroboPro, BeyondRAID, and Smart Volumes are trademarks of Drobo, Inc., which may be registered in some jurisdictions. All other trademarks used are owned by their respective owners. All rights reserved. Specifications subject to change without notice. May 2013 drobo.com 15