venders backup plan on MS sql 2005

We have a daily backup job that has these steps.

the database is in full recovery

1. backup log with truncate_only

2. DUMP DATABASE ''dbname TO dbname_data_dump WITH INIT "this happens at 1:00am"

Then there is a plan setup to backup the transaction log every hour

I think this is wrong. the recovery windows is only good to the last full backup.

__________________
A.Rajesh Khanna

There are a few critical pieces missing,
How frequently does the database change? In other words, what is the volatility of the data?

What is the size of the database?

What is the size of the log?
Once we know those, I think we can help you determine a proper strategy.

Also, you write that "the recovery windows is only good to the last full backup." but previously you write, "...here is a plan setup to backup the transaction log every hour" - those two contradict each other. Your absolute worst-case scenario is to have a one-hour window of lost data if you are backing up the log once per hour, not until the last full backup. Since you are in FULL recovery model, you are able to backup (and subsequently restore) the logs.

Here are a few questions you can ask the vendor:


Why are they truncating the log when you are already backing it up once per hour?

The DUMP DATABASE command was depracted NINE years ago - why are they still using it?

Hi,

This database changes hourly.
The database is 1gig in size
The Log is 1.5 gig in size

You are right on the recovery window

Thanks

__________________
A.Rajesh Khanna

Hi,

The backup strategy seems fine to me except for the log truncation which just is illogical. Also, why is the log 1.5GB and the database 1GB? For a 1GB database, the log *generally* would be about 150-400MB. Is it mostly free space?

Hi,

Thanks there install script created the log to be 1.5gig not sure why I asked with no answer yet.

__________________
A.Rajesh Khanna

Hi,

How much time will take 1gb database backup ?

Please let me know I have just started learning DBA. I would like to know the real time operation times.

__________________
Shaalini.S
Be the Best of Whatever you are...

Hi,

I think a 1GB db backup could take as little as 5 seconds to as much as 3 mins, depending on disk speed, CPU availability, and how much actual data is in that 1GB database.

My sql is the very best data supporter for the PHP.