Network Backups

["Bob Cagle" <bcagle@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I need to purchase a new backup solution for my network.  I currently
have a 20/40 GB 4 mm tape backup drive on my Dell server running Server
2003 SP1 and Exchange 2003.  I use Backup Exec 10 for the backup
software.  My backups just started going to a 2nd tape about 2 weeks
ago; I am now backing up about 32 GB every day and growing by about 1 GB
per month.  Obviously the compression isn't as good as it could be as
I'm only getting about 28.5GB on the first tape.  

I have been recommended to acquire an 800/1.6TB VXA2 10-tape auto-loader
from Exabyte for $2100+.  Sounds great but that seems way overkill for
my small network.

The second recommendation was for a single-tape 80/160 GB 8 mm VXA2 for
$940.

This same person also recommended that I purchase Acronis True Image
Server for $700.

#1 Does anyone have any other recommendations on tape backup solutions?
Any opinions/facts for or against the VXA packet technology?

#2 Has anyone used the Acronis software?  Is it worth it?  Why would I
need it if I already have Backup Exec?

TIA
Bob Cagle
IT Manager
Lynk, Inc.