We currently have a two server small configuration in place, but we're planning on deploying a larger server farm consisting of two front end servers, two search/index servers, and two clustered SQL nodes and the challenge I am faced with is determining the most appropriate backup strategy. Currently, we are relying on backing up the SQL DB's and would probably just do a restore of the front-end box if it crashed.
With our new deployment targeting a larger environment and consisting of new resources, I'm trying to come up with a new way to protect our data. My initial thoughts were to continue with our SQL backups as well as implementing a scripted STSADM solution in order to cover site specific backups. In addition, we are planning on deploying the Sharepoint Recycle Bin ISAPI filter to mitigate single file losses.
There are two areas that I'm still concerned with: first, what process do people go through (if any) to cover object specific restores other than ISAPI filter usage? For example, if someone deletes a calendar or document library, is there a way to restore that object without restoring the entire site? Also, my second question relates to the SPS backup utility to cover entire farms. Has anyone used this? If so, should it be a valid portion of my data protection strategy? I'm leery of using this if it will require large disk resources and not provide anything in addtion to the steps that we're already taking.