Disadvantages of Using Compression

Disadvantages of compression are that it increases computing overhead on the client and also increases backup time (due to the time required to compress the files). The lower transfer rate associated with compression on the client reduces the ability of some tape devices (notably 8 mm) to stream data, thus causing more wear on those devices than would otherwise occur.

The savings in media and network resources, however, still make compression desirable unless total backup time or client computing resources become a problem. If total backup time is a problem, consider multiplexing. The NetBackup multiplexing feature backs up clients in parallel, thus reducing the total time to back them up.