NBARS is Shutting Down

The NIH Backup and Recovery System (NBARS) that is used to back up files on servers and desktops will be gradually phased out starting September 28, 2006, and ending May 31, 2008. Anyone using this service, which uses the Tivoli Storage Management (TSM) client/server product, should begin making appropriate plans to arrange for a new backup system at this time.

NBARS is being phased out due to a steady decline in usage in recent years. Since the beginning of the year, only fourteen computers have accessed the system. The most recent new computer to join the system was registered on August 1, 2005, over one year ago.

What users should do

NBARS users should start planning for, and begin implementing, alternative means for backing up and recovering their data. All currently active users have been contacted. Contact the NIH Help Desk at 301-496-4357, 866-319-4357 (toll free), or 301-496-8294 (TTY) for assistance with finding backup alternatives.

CIT is working with the affected users to assist them, as needed, in stopping connections to the TSM server. The NBARS Web site (http://silk.nih.gov/silk/nbars) provides instructions on how to stop the automatic scheduler service. If you need to restore a backed-up file after access to the NBARS server has been restricted, contact the NIH Help Desk for assistance in retrieving the file. Once you no longer need access to your backed-up files, remove the TSM client products from your systems, with help from CIT if necessary.

Accessing NBARS

CIT has closed the registration of new computers in NBARS. As of September 28, 2006, computers that have not accessed the server in the last three years will be restricted from accessing the TSM server, preventing further backups and retrievals. As indicated above, you can contact the NIH Help Desk to arrange for temporary access to retrieve a file. Starting October 15, 2006, any computer that has not accessed the server within eighteen months will be similarly limited. On December 1, 2006, all remaining computers will be restricted.

What happens to the backups?

Backed-up data will be available on the TSM server for eighteen months from the date the requesting computer last accessed the TSM server. Starting October 15, 2006, the computers that have not accessed the server within the past three years will be removed from the system, resulting in the permanent removal of all their backed-up files, as well as the registered node, from the TSM server. On January 2, 2007, computers that have not accessed the server in the past eighteen months (i.e., not since July 1, 2005) will be removed. Starting May 31, 2008, all remaining files and registered nodes will be removed from the TSM server, and NBARS will cease to exist.

Phase Out Schedule

Here is the current schedule for shutting down the TSM server:

•	9/28/2006	-	computers that have not accessed the TSM server within the past 3 years will be locked out, preventing backup and retrieval functions. If needed, temporary access can be restored to retrieve files by contacting the NIH Help Desk.
•	10/15/2006	-	computers that have not accessed the TSM server within 18 months are locked out
		-	computers that have not accessed the TSM server within 3 years are removed, resulting in permanent removal of files and nodes
		-	weekly email error warning notices to administrators are discontinued
•	12/01/2006	-	all remaining computers are locked
•	01/02/2007	-	computers that have not accessed the TSM server within 18 months are removed
•	05/31/2008	-	all remaining computers are removed and the TSM server is shutdown

Need help?

For additional information, visit the NBARS Web page.