writers, and backup and restore functionality. For detailed information on the integration, see the HP Data Protector integration guide.
VSS backup
In case of VSS-aware writers’ backup, the consistency of data is provided at writer level and does not depend on the backup application. Data Protector follows the requirements provided by the writers when selecting what to back up.
During the backup of VSS-aware writers, Data Protector does not communicate with each writer individually, but through the VSS interface. It uses the VSS integration agent to connect the Volume Shadow Copy service, which coordinates the backup process. VSS provides Data Protector with the writer-related metadata necessary for performing a consistent backup and restore. Data Protector examines this data and identifies the volumes to be backed up. Data Protector then requests VSS to create a shadow copy of the specified volumes.
NOTE:
A Writer Metadata Document (WMD) is metadata provided by each writer. Writers identify themselves by the metadata and instruct the backup application what to back up and how to restore the data. Data Protector therefore follows the requirements provided by the writer when selecting the volumes to be backed up and the restore method.
Volume Shadow Copy service synchronizes the writers and providers. After a backup shadow copy is created, VSS communicates this information to Data Protector. Data Protector performs a backup from the shadow copy volume to the media and then notifies VSS that the shadow copy can be released.
VSS restore
VSS integration restore refers to the restore of data which was backed up using the Volume Shadow Copy service and a writer. During the restore procedure, Volume Shadow Copy service coordinates communication between Data Protector and the writers.
When restoring VSS-aware writers, Data Protector first restores all the relevant metadata to identify the backup components and to determine the restore method. It then connects to the Volume Shadow Copy service and declares that the restore is about to begin. VSS coordinates the writers’ activities during the restore. After Data Protector has successfully restored the data, VSS informs the writers that the restore has been completed and the writers can access the restored data and start their internal processing.
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