Direct backup extends the benefits of HP’s ZDB solution by moving data directly from disk to tape and making the load on the backup server negligible or even making the backup server optional.

It minimizes the impact on database production servers by using hardware-based mirroring technologies rather than intrusive software-based snapshots.

Additionally, the direct backup solution is fully integrated with the industry-standard XCopy (ANSI T10 SCP-2 Extended Copy Standard) command embedded in HP StorageWorks tape libraries (as well as external fiber channel SCSI bridges), removing the need for a separate “data mover” appliance.

NOTE:

For an explanation of which applications, operating systems, and devices that direct backup supports in HP Data Protector A.06.10, see Supported

configurations” on page 250.

Direct backup

What does it mean to make a direct backup? This backup solution is “serverless,” meaning that it does not use a dedicated backup server to move data and data is not moved across the LAN. The data moves directly from the client system to be backed up to a tape device without moving data through a backup server.

Direct backup supports backup of application data files and control files and of disk images -- either raw disk or raw logical volume.

Direct backup uses existing split-mirror and Storage Area Network (SAN) technology to:

access application data with minimal impact to the application - there is minimal utilization of the application server (providing little to no application down time)

move data without encountering bottlenecks associated with network traffic and LAN speed.

In order to support direct/serverless backups, Data Protector also incorporates new technology to resolve target file systems and move data across the SAN. This new technology, based on the XCopy standard, provides a method for moving data from the target system to the tape device without moving data through a server. For a brief explanation of XCopy, see About XCopy” on page 247.

This direct disk to tape data path (over SAN) helps to lower the need for equipment investment and boost the utilization of existing equipment.

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Direct backup