DLT VS80 slow?

[Steve.C.Barnes]

Hi

I have been given the task of setting up some backups using an external Hp StorageWorks DLT VS80.

1. The drive is using the latest firmware - V065/HPQ-1 (using hp_ltt)

2. Performance tests appear to return good results:

./hptapeperf -b 64000 -o /dev/st0 -R
4000.00 Mbytes transferred in 846 seconds, 4.73 Mbytes/sec.

The same tape drive (although I suspect an older firmware) is already being used in another backup.

Currently we're using tar to do backups. From what i've read tar is not the "best" thing (in terms of performance; interop considerations aside) to use for backups. For one, when executing "tar tvf /dev/st0" on the drive in question, tar takes 1+ hours (possibly more, I gave up waiting) to list the tape contents!

Can I get better performance from the drive using Backula or AMANDA?

Am I getting the best performance already (am I being mislead by tar's behaviour when listing the tape contents?)

Ideally, I want avoid spending any money for the backup software if possible (we'll end up sticking to tar (pun semi-intended ;) if that is the conclusion).

Many TIA

Steve.Barnes.

[Error. Please refresh y]

according to Quantum's website, the VS80 backup drives will only backup at a max speed of 6MBPS. considering that that is a top speed, and that you need to take into account the speed at which the operating system can move data, your speed of just less that 4MBPS isnt too bad!