Feature Request: backup proxy on *NIX, other DB support

[mikeely]

Even with server core, the system requirements (especially storage) of getting a Windows box off the ground are much higher than a Linux machine. Plus, licenses for the OS and SQL server can become very costly. And don't get me started on the Brobdingnagian Microsoft licensing model, designed to inflate cost and employ "licensing specialists."

I mean, I'm fine if the frontend developers go running for the hills if they are forced to contemplate the idea of not using .NET, but does everything really have to run the Microsoft OS/DB stack? I appreciate that VBRs can run on Linux. Let's get that extended to other parts of the stack as well.

[Gostev]

Since you noted SQL Server license, I assume you are running a large shop with at least 500 VMs. May I ask how much did you spend on Windows OS and SQL Server license comparing to Veeam licensing and actual backup storage costs?

[mikeely]

Haven't yet purchased same. We are not near 500 VMs currently, but guidance according to Veeam documentation is that the SQL Express instance is not suitable for production use.

As I've noted in another thread, we're almost exclusively a Linux shop so in addition to cost, adding Windows hosts adds "martians" to our environment in terms of management, etc.

[Gostev]

guidance according to Veeam documentation is that the SQL Express instance is not suitable for production use.

This was the case before, yes - but 9.5 changes the game due to dropping SQL load dramatically, so you should be fine with SQL Express under a few hundred VMs.

[Gostev]

Oh and by the way, we also support Windows 10 and earlier client OS for Veeam server and all components, if you want to further reduce your OS licensing cost. Although I'd recommend Server 2016 for our advanced ReFS integration.

[mikeely]

That is truly excellent news, but what would really be A Good Thing™ would be for the proxy to run on a Unix-based OS (also, ahem, 64-bit native).

[NTmatter]

As an add-on to the above, I'd also love to have a proxy that runs on OSX. This would vastly speed/simplify our Xsan backups.

With regards to the Other DB support, what are your feelings on the SQL Server v.Next running on Linux? Might be a decent middle-ground in terms of martian integration. You'll still need to deal with the same licensing fees, but at least you'll have your OS of choice.