7 Backup, restore, and recovery

This chapter includes the following topics:

•Introduction, page 219

•Defining your backup strategy, page 219

•Backup, page 221

•Restore, page 230

•Recovery, page 235

Introduction

There are several methods that you can use to increase safety of data in the FSE implementation. Nevertheless, if data loss occurs, FSE includes features which help recreating data that has been lost in disaster on any component of the FSE implementation. These features are FSE backup, FSE restore and FSE recovery. FSE restore can only be used if FSE backup has been performed before and backup images are available, while FSE recovery does not depend on any other processes.

When user data on HSM file systems is concerned, an appropriate level of their safety can be achieved by properly configuring migration policies for the belonging FSE partitions (see section ”Migration” on page 127), considering multiple copying (see section ”Multiple copying” on page 147), and executing periodic monitoring of physical condition of FSE media in the assigned FSE media pools (see section ”Checking the status of media” on page 117). If disaster occurs on an HSM file system, you can use the recovery feature of FSE to completely recreate damaged or destroyed HSM file system. FSE recovery recreates data and metadata on HSM file system from the belonging Name Space Catalog, which is part of File System Catalog.

Besides user data, FSE implementation also includes other data which are essential for normal operation of FSE. These data are referred to as FSE databases and system files, and contain global configuration files, configuration of FSE resources, not yet migrated metadata, and other entities. They are located on the consolidated FSE system or FSE server, depending on the type of your FSE implementation. To maintain appropriate level of safety of these data, you can equip the FSE server host with a RAID storage subsystem (see the latest support matrices), organize and prepare local file systems (see the FSE installation guide for a particular platform, chapter ”Preparing file systems for FSE”), and define a thoughtful FSE backup policy (see section ”Defining your backup strategy” on page 219). In case of disaster on the FSE server host and when the FSE databases and system files are affected, you can use the FSE restore feature to restore a complete FSE server state from an FSE backup image. As an alternative, when File System Catalogs are only affected, FSE recovery can be used to completely recreate each particular File System Catalog. In this case, the FSE recovery process uses Fast Recovery Information and metadata from FSE media to build a File System Catalog from scratch.

NOTE: Backup and restore of FSE clients is not supported. During backup, only the client-related data on the consolidated FSE system or FSE server is backed up.

If all hosts of the FSE implementation are struck, FSE restore and FSE recovery processes must be used in sequence to revert the FSE implementation into operable state: the FSE server needs to be restored, and HSM file systems on the FSE clients need to be recreated using the HSM file system recovery functionality.

The next sections provide helpful hints on how to define your backup strategy, recommendations on recreating your data, and information on how to recover from an actual data loss.

Defining your backup strategy

Typically, if you only perform FSE backup on a regular basis and according to recommendations, you are only able to restore FSE databases and system files on the FSE server. You should also consider using FSE recovery as a method of recreating your data, and define your backup strategy accordingly.

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HP File System Extender (FSE) manual Introduction, Defining your backup strategy, Backup, Restore, Recovery
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File System Extender (FSE) specifications

HP File System Extender (FSE) is a sophisticated solution designed to optimize data storage management for enterprises that deal with large volumes of unstructured data. This technology addresses the challenges of data growth and the need for effective data retention strategies, enabling organizations to store and manage their information more efficiently.

One of the main features of HP FSE is its ability to intelligently migrate data between primary and secondary storage. By utilizing policies that determine when to move infrequently accessed files to lower-cost storage environments, FSE helps reduce the strain on primary storage systems and saves on costs associated with high-performance storage solutions. This tiered approach to data management ensures that organizations can access the data they need quickly while still maintaining an efficient overall storage architecture.

Another notable characteristic of HP FSE is its seamless integration with existing storage infrastructures. The solution works with a variety of storage systems, allowing organizations to utilize their current investments without the need for significant changes to their infrastructure. This interoperability is powered by advanced technologies that facilitate data migration and retrieval, ensuring a smooth transition for organizations looking to optimize their storage strategies.

Additionally, HP FSE is equipped with robust reporting and analytics capabilities. This functionality provides organizations with insights into their storage usage, helping them understand data patterns and optimize their storage environments accordingly. By having visibility into which files are accessed most frequently and which are rarely used, organizations can make informed decisions on data retention policies and storage management.

Security is paramount in data management, and HP FSE addresses this concern by implementing advanced data protection features. This includes data encryption, secure access controls, and compliance with industry regulations, ensuring that sensitive information is safeguarded throughout its lifecycle.

Overall, HP File System Extender is a comprehensive data storage solution that combines intelligent data management, seamless integration, insightful analytics, and robust security features. By leveraging these capabilities, organizations can efficiently manage their unstructured data, lower costs, and enhance operational efficiency, making it an invaluable tool in today’s data-driven landscape.
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