Barry Hill wrote:
> Can anyone recommend a certain make and model which works very well
> under Linux? Something in the range of 4-6GB.
As most of you know, this is a question that is asked on a very regular
basis on the Linux tape list. As such, EST (the BRU guys) has begun
work on a certification model that will process and test manufacturers'
product against the Linux environments.
To outline our current plans:
Any backup hardware vendor is welcome to submit devices to our labs for
testing and certification
EST will perform tests under a multitude of Linux environments, using
the various Linux tools to determine a specific device's compatibility
within the Linux world. The tests will include Intel, Alpha, SPARC,
PowerPC, ARM, and MIPS based systems.
This process will be performed at no cost to the vendor or the Linux
community in alignment with the open software movement. It is simply
our intention to provide a single point of certification and testing for
backup devices that will answer questions like Barry's, completely and
without prejudice or favoritism.
At this point, we perceive 4 levels of general certification:
Intention to Certify
This means that a vendor is going to be working with the Linux
community to provide technical information and devices to ensure
that their drives are compatible and then certifiable. Primarily
useful in allowing and vendor to make announcements aimed at the
Linux community.
Basic Certification
The device meets the basic requirements for a backup mechanism -
Write, Read, Append, and basic movement/positioning commands.
Enhanced Certification
The device supports advanced commands such as block level positioning,
secure erase, proper condition reporting, and other, advanced
functions.
Extended Function Certification
The device adds loader functionality, partitioning, and other
functions
that are related to library devices and very high capacity devices.
Of course, these levels will be defined very clearly in their final
forms so that a user will know exactly what a device can and cannot do
in a Linux based system simply by the level of certification achieved..
Once a device is certified, EST will work with the vendor to ensure that
proper support is provided by the vendor for Linux users. We will also
make joint announcements letting the world know that the vendor is now
supporting the Linux movement.
Why EST? We've been doing Unix based backup since 1985. Between the
various
engineering and support staff, we have over 60 years of backup
experience. Plus
we already have a lab configured with systems just to perform this type
of testing.
Of course, I'd be lying if I said that EST would get nothing out of this
process. We will be using this process to strengthen our relationships
with the Linux community as well as the various backup device vendors.
In the long run, this will allow us to further determine the type of
functions that Linux users require in their backup solutions as well as
direct the backup device vendors to add features to devices to supports
these requirements.
I would really appreciate feedback on this idea either via the list, or
(if traffic gets too heavy) directly to my personal e-mail account.
--
Tim Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Vice President Visit our tape backup web pages:
Enhanced Software Technologies, Inc. http://www.estinc.com/
