> From: Stan Sieler <[log in to unmask]>
> Greg writes:
> > I have requested that our data center verify our weekly full backups,
> > which are performed on Sundays. They are questioning this, and
> > suggesting that if we question DAT integrity, we move to a technology
> > that we do trust. I am also told that no one else regularly verifies
> > backups along these lines.
>
> So, they'e implying: no one else wears seat belts, so we shouldn't
either?
> I'd verify *ANY* backup made with *ANY* technology.  It wouldn't have
> to be every day, or every week...but at least every two weeks.

And preferably have *two* drives, and have them cross-verify each other.
Although it complicates "lights out" backup solutions, you should devise
some means to do the cross-validation.  Otherwise drive integrity, e.g.,
alignment, can be masked.  Even if
this means you swap the tapes/cartridges first thing in the morning and
verify in background, please do so.

Jeff Kell <[log in to unmask]>