Server2003 Backups?

Server 2003 Backup Utility

[RDWest2005]

Hi guys,
I need some input on backups for server 2003.
I am a linux user for years and have a new client that runs a local win3k server.

This server houses 2 server/client applications with cost close to 100K and the company has over 90,000+ products.

The default backup in win3k accessories/system tools/backup - is this a reliable solution for a crash etc to recover the system?

I was going to setup and backup into a linux samba share dir and then compress the dir and copy to a fireproof/waterproof drive.

My client has inhouse staff with 1 of the girls that knows her way around in a pc very good. I hope to get a simple but reliable solution so she can handle all backups and full system recovery if anything bad happens.

Any suggestions? Thanks - ~RD

[bill]

I am a big fan of drive imaging backups for my Windows servers. An image backup will allow you to completely restore a server to a prior state, OS and all. Some will even let you perform a complete bare metal install (a restoration on a completely new piece of hardware in case of failure).

Selective file backups can be helpful in some cases, but an image of an entire drive will offer more security in the event that your hardware or OS fails.