Symantec Backup Exec

Managed media server (distributed)

Distributes the catalog files between the central administration server and the managed media server.

From the central administration server, you cannot browse backup sets on a managed media server in a catalog that was created from Backup Exec version 9x or earlier.

If device and media data are kept in a local database on the managed media server, then the distributed location is the only catalog location that is available.

Select this option if you have a low-bandwidth network connection.

Central administration server (centralized)

Keeps all catalog files on the central administration server.

A high-bandwidth network connection should be available if this location is selected.

Both servers (replicated)

Replicates all catalog files from the managed media server to the central administration server.

If a managed media server is unavailable and the device is not shared (that is, if SAN Shared Storage Option is not installed on it), you can still browse the catalog from the central administration server. However, you cannot run a restore job since the managed media server is unavailable.

A high-bandwidth network connection should be available if this location is selected.