Windows Server 2008 and native support for tape back-up

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Lots of questions at the recent Wave roadshow around our decision to remove native support for tape back-up in Windows Server 2008. This will be the same for SBS 2008 & EBS 2008 & perhaps need some more explanation given that you'll more than likely be talking to customers now about their needs over the coming months/years.

So to clarify:

  • NT Backup was never designed as an enterprise class solution & so the decision was made to move to the more scalable, robust hard drive back-up solution
  • The drivers are still supported, we've just disabled native support
  • This means that 3rd party software (such as Symantec's Backup Exec) should be used for those customers still reliant upon tapes

As per Michael Kleef's recent post:

If you have needs beyond the scope of Windows Server backup - use the third party tools. In many cases these companies have worked directly with us to make sure their product works well with any new advancements we made in file systems or snapshot support. Ours is intended to be an entry level product. Don't assume it will do more than that.

I hope this helps - would love to hear your feedback.

Robbie