Re: [Bobs-devel] Security Issues - Idea

[Joe Z. <jz...@co...>]

Jochen Metzger wrote:

>So the system did not make backups for a couple of .... ( that is 
>my secret ;o) ).
>
>To solve this, I think it would be nice, to do some simple email 
>reporting.
>
>  
>
If you have your email system setup so cron output gets mailed to you, 
then you'll get some output from bobs and can at least tell when it's 
running. I agree with the reporting ideas, but  I have a dilemma.

Where I work I am responsible for many systems being backed up. Some are 
backed up to bobs, others to tape, some using rsync mirrors, and a 
couple used tar/dump/ftp/cron jobs. The problem with monitoring backups 
with email reporting is this:
o  If the backup works you get an email. Fine.
o  If it doesn't work you should still get an email that it didn't work. 
Ok, fine.
o  The catch is that invariably *something* will go wrong that isn't 
planned, whether it's the software, a power outage, or whatever. Then 
you don't get any email. It's terribly hard to notice there is a problem 
because of an email you didn't get, especially when you have many 
systems to monitor.

I still think the email reporting is a good idea, it's just not a 
reliable solution for ensuring backups are running, regardless of the 
system or software.

Joe