Activating Snapshots

Snapshots are a licensed feature. Customers are provided a key to activate snapshots using the CLI. The syntax is as follows:

system general licensing set snapshots XXXXXXX

Creating a Snapshot (Without a Policy)

To create a snapshot:

1In the NAS Manager, navigate to Data ProtectionSnapshotsList.

2Create a snapshot by clicking the Create button.

3Choose the NAS volume from the drop-down menu and give the snapshot a unique name.

Adding or Modifying a Snapshot Policy

From the NAS Manager, navigate to Data ProtectionSnapshotsPolicies.

Add or modify a snapshot policy by selecting the appropriate NAS volume from the dropdown menu. There are several options on this page.

Alert Administrator: Sends an alert to the administrator when the snapshot space reaches a certain percentage of the total volume size.

Periodic, Hourly, Daily, or Weekly: These options can be combined to set particular schedules. Also, each option has a number of snapshots to keep. Therefore, it is advised to keep this number as low as possible since creating snapshots impact system performance.

Accessing Snapshots

Once the snapshot is created, you can access a special folder from Export or Share.

Access the special folder from UNIX under the directory called .snapshots under each NFS Export.

Access the special folder from Microsoft Windows under the directory

.snapshots under each Share. (This integrates into Shadow Copies and enables previous versions.)

112

Protecting Data on PowerVault NX3500

Page 112
Image 112
Dell NX3500 manual Activating Snapshots, Creating a Snapshot Without a Policy, Adding or Modifying a Snapshot Policy, 112

NX3500 specifications

The Dell NX series, including the NX3610, NX3600, and NX3500, represents a robust and efficient solution for organizations seeking to optimize their storage solutions. These storage appliances are designed to meet the growing needs of data-driven businesses, providing a comprehensive platform that integrates software and hardware for optimal performance.

The Dell NX3610 is a high-performance storage solution that boasts an advanced dual-controller architecture. This model supports enhanced scalability and redundancy, ensuring that organizations can handle increasing data loads effortlessly. It is built for faster data access with a range of connectivity options, including 10GbE and iSCSI, enabling seamless integration into diverse IT environments. The NX3610 supports advanced file sharing capabilities, making it ideal for businesses requiring efficient collaboration and data access across multiple platforms. Furthermore, with features like snapshot and replication, users can ensure data integrity and security, minimizing downtime in case of system failures.

The NX3600, while slightly smaller in capacity compared to the NX3610, still delivers formidable performance and flexibility. It is designed to cater to mid-sized businesses that need a reliable and cost-effective storage solution. The NX3600 features a single-controller architecture, making it easier to manage and deploy in smaller IT environments. It offers support for various storage protocols, including NFS and CIFS, which are essential for organizations looking to support diverse application workloads. Its easy-to-use management interface makes it simple for IT teams to monitor and configure settings, ensuring optimal performance with minimal effort.

The NX3500 serves as an entry-level model within the NX series, specifically targeted at small to medium-sized businesses. It combines affordability with essential features needed for efficient data storage and sharing. The NX3500 is equipped with a user-friendly interface and includes support for both file-based and block-based storage, offering flexibility for diverse workloads. Moreover, the appliance features integrated backup solutions, which are crucial for ensuring data safety and compliance. Users will also appreciate its robust data deduplication and compression capabilities that significantly reduce storage costs by minimizing the amount of data stored.

In summary, the Dell NX3610, NX3600, and NX3500 are engineered to cater to various business sizes and storage demands. With their sophisticated technologies, including dual-controller systems, rich protocol support, and user-friendly management features, these appliances deliver reliable, scalable, and efficient storage solutions for any organization looking to enhance its data management capabilities.