When disaster strikes, insurance can replace possessions, but only backups can restore your data. This reality hit home for us as the current fires raging across Los Angeles brought back unsettling memories of the Thomas Fire here in Santa Barbara in early 2018. Driving through falling ash, the air heavy with smoke and uncertainty, we didn’t know if our data was safe. Fortunately we were able to get to our NAS in time but what if there was an easier way grab a copy of vital data in an emergency? Something that could be counted on and wont break the bank? We found an ideal solution!
While cloud backups remain our top recommendation, they aren’t infallible. In a crisis, you might not have time to wait for checkpoints to upload—or worse, the internet could be completely down. That’s when having an alternative like the MinisForum S100, paired with a portable SSD, can make all the difference. At under $250 total, it’s also a budget-friendly way to safeguard critical data during emergencies.
A Portable Solution for Emergencies
The MinisForum S100 (link here for more info) stands out for its compact size, low power requirements, and versatility. Paired with a small SSD like the Crucial X6, it becomes an ideal tool for protecting essential information when you need it most.
Installing Proxmox Backup Server on the S100
Overcoming Installation Challenges
Getting Proxmox Backup Server (PBS) running on the S100 required a few adjustments, but the payoff is well worth it:
Disabling Secure Boot:Before booting a non-Windows operating system, secure boot must be disabled. However, the S100 requires setting a BIOS administrator password before this option becomes available. Once configured, disabling secure boot was straightforward and allowed us to proceed with the installation.
Booting From USB:While booting from a USB stick worked seamlessly, our preferred iODD emulated CD/DVD drive struggled to mount the PBS ISO. For this setup, a USB stick proved the most reliable choice.
Installation Process:After disabling secure boot and booting from USB, the PBS installer ran without issues. We installed the operating system on the S100’s internal flash storage, and the server booted into Proxmox Backup Server without any trouble.
Why Use Proxmox Backup Server?
Proxmox Backup Server is an excellent addition to any Proxmox-based environment. It’s purpose-built to efficiently back up and restore virtual machines (VMs), offering several key benefits:
Seamless Integration with Proxmox Clusters:PBS can be easily integrated with existing Proxmox clusters, allowing administrators to quickly back up or restore VMs. In a disaster recovery scenario, this means you can rebuild your virtual environment with minimal downtime.
Efficient Data Deduplication:Proxmox Backup Server uses advanced deduplication, reducing storage requirements and speeding up backups. This is especially useful when dealing with large numbers of VMs that share common files or operating systems.
Sync Jobs for Redundancy:We configured the S100 to sync with our primary PBS server, ensuring that we always have the latest version of our virtual environment ready to go. This redundancy means that even if our primary backups are inaccessible, we can still rely on the synced S100.
Why the S100 is Perfect for PBS
The S100’s portability and ease of deployment make it an ideal candidate for Proxmox Backup Server. Paired with a portable SSD, it offers a robust disaster recovery solution:
Quick Recovery: In case of an emergency, the S100 allows for rapid restoration of critical VMs. This capability can be the difference between extended downtime and a smooth recovery.
Grab-and-Go Redundancy: With its small form factor and ability to run on PoE or a USB-C power bank, the S100 is easy to grab and deploy at a remote site or temporary office.
Deployment and Network Configuration
Post-installation, we assigned a static IP and connected the S100 to our UniFi Enterprise 8 PoE switch (learn more in our hardware review). The PoE connection eliminated the need for additional power adapters, simplifying deployment.
Why the S100 Excels in Emergencies
The S100’s compact size and versatile power options make it an excellent choice for emergency use cases:
Portability: Small enough to fit in a pocket or bag, along with a portable SSD.
Flexible Power: Operates on PoE or any USB-C power source, including power banks.
Rapid Deployment: Quickly connects to your network and integrates into existing PBS environments.
The Importance of Being Prepared
The unsettling memories of the Thomas Fire taught us that having a robust and portable backup solution isn’t just practical—it’s essential. The MinisForum S100 paired with a portable SSD offers a reliable way to secure critical data when you need it most.
Cloud backups remain a vital part of any disaster recovery plan, but when the internet is down or time is short, having a physical backup solution can make the difference between recovery and loss. The S100 ensures you’re prepared for both planned operations and unpredictable crises.
Contact us today!
At SeraphimGate Systems, we understand the critical importance of being prepared for the unexpected. Whether you're looking to safeguard your business or protect personal data, we specialize in custom hardware and IT solutions tailored to your needs.
In times of crisis, we’re here to help. If there’s any way we can assist you during a disaster, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Together, we can find the solutions you need to weather any storm.
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