Choosing a Windows or Linux MediaAgent Host Operating System

Commvault offers both a Windows and Linux hosted MediaAgent component.  There are two questions you should consider besides cost, ease of management, and debugging tools when selecting which operating system to use:

1. Will the MediaAgent be used for other purposes? (e.g. Content indexing, Analytics, Exchange backup Proxy, etc.)? If yes, then use a Windows host.
2. Is the need for Hyperscale Storage Pool capabilities a priority?  If yes, then use a Linux host.

A Hyperscale storage pool is currently only supported with a Linux hosted MediaAgent. Linux has less reported exposure to viruses, and since being Linux, the recovery of Linux VMs does not require a File Recovery Enabler VM.  Still, Linux debugging tools are limited compared to Windows and Virtual Server Agent (VSA) support on a Linux MediaAgent is limited, so you may still need a separate Windows hosted MediaAgent for various operations related to VSA.

A Windows hosted MediaAgent supports nearly all (expect Hyperscale) functionality offered by Commvault.  Administrators for Windows-based platforms are easier to find and a richer set of debugging tools is available. Disk drive redundancy for storage can be provided by RAID 6 configurations and the appliance experience of OS patching and lockdown will soon be available for Windows MediaAgents.  Still, Windows is the target of choice for most viruses requiring frequent patching to stay ahead.

Beyond the cost of licensing and maintenance, be sure to consider all factors before making your decision.  While you can change your mind at a later time, it is much easier when making the right initial choice.